Police News

On Thursday, September 5th, a female resident of the island, Jamileth Espina, was assaulted by three individuals near the intersection of San Pedrito heading towards San Pablo. Espina reported that she was returning home when the altercation took place. According to her account, one of the individuals leaped onto her cart and attempted to seize her purse, while another tried to take her golf cart keys. A third individual stood in front of the golf cart, appearing to survey the surroundings. Espina successfully fended off her attackers despite these threats, averting a potential tragedy.

On the night of Monday, September 9th, Roderick Coleman, a well-known island barber from the San Juan Area, was injured during an armed burglary. According to a police report, around 10PM, three unidentified men entered Coleman’s Barbershop, shooting Coleman in the leg and robbing clients at the establishment. Coleman was transported to Ambergris Hope Hospital and later airlifted to Belize City for further medical treatment. Fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening, and the victim is expected to make a full recovery.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the San Pedro Police Formation received a Lifan motorcycle from Matachicha Resort. The motorcycle will be assigned to the Tourism Police Unit, patrolling the island's northern part. This donation was made possible through a collaboration between the resort and Councilor Jose Castellanos at the San Pedro Town Council.

Island resident Ryan Melendez, who was pistol-whipped by Sergeant Devon Makin weeks ago, was at the San Pedro Police Station on Monday, July 15th, accompanied by his attorney David McKoy, following reports that the police wanted him. Melendez was informed that he was not wanted by the police and walked out of the station without charge. McKoy said the family plans to sue the Belize Police Department, particularly the Commissioner of Police, for defamation.

On Saturday, July 6th, San Pedro's Police Officer Devon Makin, who is part of the Special Patrol Unit (SPU) in Ambergris Caye, was recorded on camera violently attacking a male island resident. The resident was aggressively detained and asked to kneel while being hit on the leg and forehead with a firearm. This action was taken because the resident was suspected of being armed and believed to have intentions of committing unlawful acts.

The San Pedro Police Northern substation received a golf cart on Friday, June 14th, through a partnership with the Middle Island Neighborhood Watch, which secured the valuable donation. Councilor Jose Castellanos at the San Pedro Town Council also played a role in acquiring the golf cart, which is customized for the rugged terrain in northern Ambergris Caye. The vehicle will provide the unit in the north base with additional transportation to enhance and increase their patrols in the area.

The Compliance and Enforcement Unit at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has been busy conducting patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation, both at sea and on the island. These joint efforts recently led to several individuals being arrested and charged with different offenses. These included possession of lobster during the closed season, possession of undersized Queen Conch in shell that did not exceed seven inches in length during the open season, possession of unprocessed Conch that did not exceed 7.5 ounces in weight during the open season, possession of market clean (partially processed) conch that did not exceed three ounces in weight during the open season, and possession of conch during the closed season. These offenses carry penalties starting from $500 fines or up to two years imprisonment.

On Friday, June 7th, five police officers attached to the San Pedro Police Formation were recognized for their outstanding performances during April and May. The Officer Commanding of Division Four (San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker), Senior Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, presented the exemplary officers with their awards at the San Pedro Police Station. The police station Commanding Officer, Superintendent Egbert Castillo, and Deputy Commanding Officer, Inspector Darwin Serano, were also present at the award ceremony.