Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Police News

Three men arrested and charged after a gun bust in northern Ambergris Caye

The San Pedro Police Formation arrested and charged three individuals who were found in possession of a 9mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and a black SG rifle, along with loaded magazines and additional ammunition. They face the following charges: one count of possession of a prohibited firearm, one count of possession of prohibited ammunition, two counts of possessing a firearm without a gun license, two counts of possessing ammunition without a gun license, and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.

Caye Caulker resident charged for assaulting American partner

Leodan Lara, a resident of Caye Caulker, has been charged with Wounding following reports that he assaulted his disabled American partner, Emily Lydon. The incident reportedly took place on Monday, February 3rd, when Lara assaulted Lydon in Caye Caulker. After the incident, Lara was detained and subsequently charged with Wounding. On Wednesday, February 5th, he was taken to San Pedro Town for arraignment. Lara remains in custody at the San Pedro Police Station and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, February 6th.

San Pedro Police destroy large amounts of seized drugs

On Wednesday, February 5th, the San Pedro Police Department conducted the destruction of a significant quantity of drugs by incineration. The substances destroyed included marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, and hashish. The operation took place at a location south of San Pedro Town. The drugs had been stored for several months and were the result of concluded cases, as well as items classified as 'Found Property.'

San Pedro Police Kick Off 2025 with Inspiring Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

On January 18th, the San Pedro Police Department held its 2025 kickoff luncheon and award ceremony at the picturesque Boca Del Rio Park. During this informal gathering, Deputy Officer in Charge Inspector Darwin Serrano inspired the team with encouraging words and recognized their commendable efforts in 2024. He reflected on their achievements, highlighting the importance of teamwork and dedication.

Police Report: Charges for drug possession and kept unlicensed ammunition

Two residents of San Pedro are facing legal troubles after being found in possession of suspected cocaine and ammunition.

Police report a decrease in major crimes in 2024

The Belize Police Department has reported a significant decline in major crimes over the past year. However, their end-of-year statistics show a slight increase in the murder rate, rising from 87 in 2023 to 89 in 2024. Despite this uptick, the current murder rate is still a reduction compared to previous years, when rates consistently exceeded three digits.

Trial for 2023 Mass Murder set to start; Family of victims concerned over improper investigation

The ongoing case against Christian Espat and Michael Brown, accused of the October 2023 murders of Carlos Chi, Delmar Rodriguez, and his three-year-old daughter Amari Rodriguez in San Pedro Town, will go to court on January 25th. The victims’ families have been closely following the case but noted discontent with the current investigation, claiming it is being deliberately mishandled.

Authorities respond to allegations of police brutality in San Pedro

Alex Wade, a San Pedro resident who had been charged with aggravated assault and making threats of death, claims that he was physically abused while in police custody. Wade, who is reportedly out on bail, alleges that the abuse resulted in a fractured elbow. The Belize Police Department has acknowledged the claim and stated that the matter has been referred to the Professional Standards Branch for investigation.

San Pedro police looking for four persons connected to stabbing and chopping incidents

The San Pedro Police Formation is seeking one individual in connection with the stabbing of 26-year-old Jerdon Franklin Anderson. Additionally, they are looking for three individuals regarding a chopping incident involving 21-year-old Reynaldo Pop. Both incidents occurred on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1st.

Compol’s New Year’s Message

The year 2024 was truly a challenging year for us as we navigated our policing plans through turbulent waters. However, the positive interventions and alterations in our plans enabled us to ride out those waves successfully. Now that the year is coming to its culmination, we can look back at our achievements with pride.

Julio Paiz sentenced to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Hilberto Caliz

Twenty-one-year-old Julio Paiz has been serving time for the murder of Hilberto Caliz, a resident of San Pedrito, which occurred in 2021. After being convicted, he received a fixed sentence of 30 years on December 18th from Justice Nigel Pilgrim.