San Pedro police officer charged with aggravated assault; two interdicted

Two San Pedro police officers have been placed on interdiction and have left town following a confrontation on November 5th in which one officer was reportedly seen pressing a handgun against a man’s face. On November 9th, one of the officers was formally arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault. After being charged, he was cautioned and chose to remain silent. Criminal and disciplinary investigations are proceeding simultaneously.
Before the confrontation, a 37-year-old bartender and his relatives were reportedly socializing at their residence when a friend left the yard. Two officers traveling in a police golf cart stopped and began searching the friend nearby. From the veranda, the bartender called out, telling his friend to produce identification and questioning the search. One officer warned him against interfering before both officers approached the property.
The confrontation allegedly escalated when an officer approached the veranda. As the bartender backed towards his doorway, the officer allegedly grabbed his shirt, dragged him into the street, pushed him against a golf cart, and threw him to the ground. The officer then allegedly drew his handgun and pressed its barrel against the man’s cheek. A second officer allegedly shoved the man’s partner when she tried to intervene.
The encounter reportedly lasted approximately four minutes. A relative recorded it on a phone, and investigators obtained footage from social media and a nearby business.
In a statement issued on November 6th, the Belize Police Department said it had launched a criminal investigation and a separate disciplinary investigation into the officers’ conduct. At the time, the department said it had placed one officer on immediate suspension while it conducted the investigation.
On November 9th, Superintendent Edlin Lorenzo, commander of Division Four of the Belize Police Department, condemned the incident. “That behavior is not who we are. Swift action was taken. We use only justifiable force to protect life and earn trust,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, the department’s Staff Officer, also condemned the conduct. “I must put on record that the department unequivocally condemns the conduct depicted in this video,” she said.
The department reminded officers to exercise their authority legitimately, responsibly, and with restraint. It emphasized that officers are expected to maintain their composure and professionalism, regardless of any disrespect, provocation, or threats encountered while carrying out their duties.
The department also stated that it would support officers who use necessary, reasonable, and justifiable force in the lawful execution of their duties. However, it stressed that such support should not be interpreted as a willingness to conceal or justify misconduct. Officers who violate the law or the standards of disciplined police conduct will be held accountable.
Both officers remain under interdiction as the investigations continue.