Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Police detain two suspects for deadly weekend shooting in San Pedro Town

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Police have detained two persons in connection with the latest homicide that occurred in San Pedro Town on Sunday, August 20th. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Armando Lopez,  Belizean carpenter of the San Pedrito Subdivision, who was fatally shot when he was socializing at a local bar on Barrier Reef Drive. As police continue their investigation, they are also looking for a 16-year-old minor believed to have also participated in the shooting. The general public is asked to assist in order to solve this latest incident.

The shootout took place in broad daylight shortly after 2PM on Barrier Reef Drive, one of San Pedro’s busiest streets. According to a brief police report released on Monday, August 21st, Lopez suffered from gunshot wounds to his chest and died on the spot. The results of their infant investigation has led to the arrest of two individuals. One was detained on the island, while the second person was arrested while travelling to Belize City on the water taxi. “We will boost up the police presence on the island,” Assistance Commissioner of Police, Edward Broaster told reporters. “We ask San Pedro residents to cooperate with the police, as we will be conducting vigorous operations on the island to deal with this issue.” Broaster stated that a motive for the murder cannot be established as yet.

According to eyewitnesses, the culprits who killed Lopez had it all planned out. They told The Sun that minutes before the fatal shooting, two male persons were observed walking back and forth from the bar as they planned their move. They say that at one point, one of the persons walked passed the bar and headed north-ward on Barrier Reef, while his companion went inside the bar and shot Lopez. The assailant then ran in the same direction as his companion, heading to the beach where it is believed that they got into a boat and made good their escape. When police arrived to the scene, Lopez took his last breath and passed away before he could receive any medical assistance.

An acquaintance of the deceased, who wishes to stay anonymous, said that it is really odd what happened to Lopez. “He was a humble guy and hard working. He never had any problems with anybody,” the person said. The source also shared with The San Pedro Sun that Lopez had no family on the island, and believes he was from the Corozal District. “He used to also be a fisherman and worked almost on anything in construction, including carpentry.”

Armando Lopez

This latest crime activity marks the third violent incident on Ambergris Caye for the month of August, and the fifth murder for the island. On Saturday, August 12th, a shooting incident in the San Pedrito Area left two minors and one adult injured. They were lucky to survive the attack and two days later Christian Espat was arrested and charged for the incident.

Almost a week after, 24-year-old Scott Charles, was shot at his residence on Wednesday, August 16th. He succumbed the following day, while undergoing medical treatment in Belize City. No arrests have been made regarding Charles’ murder.

In the meantime, police continue their investigation and are increasing personnel on the island to deter any further escalation of criminal activity on Ambergris Caye.

The Police Department is seeking the assistance from the general public and encourages anyone with information to visit the San Pedro Police Station on Pescador Drive or call 206-2022. All sources will be treated with the strictness of confidentiality.

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