Belize: Gushots fired at Police Commissioner’s residence

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Police Commissioner Chester Williams has confirmed that one person is in custody in relation to gunshots being fired  at his home on Tuesday night.

“If they think I am going to be intimidated, then they have the wrong man,” the top cop told reporters.

Williams was not at his residence when the incident occurred at around 9.19 pm (local time). But his 20-year-old son was at home. He was not injured.

Williams told reporters that the suspect was identified after security footage was reviewed by investigators. The shooter was reportedly on a motorcycle. He drove by the house and shot at it from a distance with a.45 calibre firearm.

The authorities have said that the suspect is a 21 year-old male from Camalote Village, Cayo District and is affiliated with one of the gangs in Roaring Creek Village.

The weapon and motorcycle used in the crime were recovered and Williams, who is in the United States attending the UN Chiefs of Police conference, has described the suspect  as a “coward”.

He said the shooter wanted to send a message, but “if  they think I am going to be intimidated, then they have the wrong man”.

Over the weekend, a gunman shot up the Roaring Creek police station situated in a small village in the Cayo District of Belize, just north-west of the capital, and Williams said law enforcement officials are searching for the individual.

Belize has imposed a state of emergency (SOE) for the second time within a six month period, for neighbourhoods on the north and south sides of Belize City, as the authorities attempt to deal with a spike in violent crimes by rival gangs.

Williams said that the increase in gang-related shootings and murders could be linked to a recent concert and that the police have recovered a number of firearms and ammunition within the Belize District and the Cayo area.

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