Coast Guard Critical After Being Shot While Visiting His Baby Mama
Daniel Arzu Jr.
A Coast Guard Officer and father of two is fighting for his life at the K.H.M.H. tonight. Daniel Arzu Junior was shot in the head yesterday in Belize City when he went to visit his child’s mother. While Police aren’t able to say what triggered the attack, they are questioning three men in connection with the shooting. All reports are that Arzu Junior is well-mannered and doesn’t have any connection to a criminal past. And if you recognize the name, it is because Arzu Junior is the son of Officer Commanding Benque Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu Senior. Today, News Five’s Andrea Polanco spoke with the senior law man about the attempt on his son’s life. Here’s what she found out:
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
Twenty-eight-year old Daniel Arzu Junior remains in an induced coma in the K.H.M.H. Arzu Junior, a Coast Guard officer, was shot once to the head on Monday evening, shortly after five. It is reported that a bullet entered the right temple and exited at the crown. The Arzu family is hoping for the best, but they are prepared for the worst:
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr., Father
“I was briefed that he was shot to the head and was rushed to the K.H.M.H. where he is currently undergoing treatment. He went through a surgery last night and he met success in that. I am advised that he is still critical, so that is how he is at this point in time.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, they have induced coma, is that correct?”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“Yes. The doctor also indicated to me that they had to induce coma as well so as to keep him stabilized and not provoke any further injuries so that the progress of his healing is up to standard.”
Andrea Polanco
“As far as you are aware, how many gun shots did he receive?”
Daniel Arzu Sr.
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“From what I am told it is one single gun-shot to the head.”
Andrea Polanco
“What is the prognosis from the doctor? Is it a fifty-fifty percent chance situation?”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“Well, the doctor is indicating to us that we are to be hopeful given the area of the injury, it is an extremely critical area. Understanding the explanation of the doctor, I am just hopeful, but I am prepared for the worst case scenario.”
The shooting happened here on Neal Penn Road at Pinky’s Apartment complex. Just minutes after Arzu Junior arrived here to visit his child’s mother; a man walked inside the apartment and fired at least three to four shots. There were others inside, but only Arzu Junior was hit. It is believed that the bullets were meant for him.
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“What I am told, he was just from work, he is with the Coast Guard, he was just from work at that residence visiting his child’s mother; when an intruder or an attacker came and fired shots at him. But it seemed that he was accompanied by someone else. Police have also advised me that they have some persons of interest in custody and they are conducting their investigation into this matter.”
Andrea Polanco
“And it is believed that he was the intended target?”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“It seems, it appears, he was indeed the intended target. There were others in the house and he isthe one who was injured.”
Andrea Polanco
“Can you speak to us about what the talk is with the motive behind the shooting?”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“I really and truly can’t speak to a motive.”
From all indications, Arzu Junior doesn’t have any feud or old beef with anyone. He has always been law-abiding and an upstanding member of the Belize National Coast Guard for over six years. At this timepolice and the Arzu family haven’t been able to determine why Arzu Junior was shot.
Chester Williams
ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South
“He is a young man, as far as we are concerned, of impeccable character. And that is one of the reasons why it is so difficult for us at this time to establish a motive. So, in terms of going in to his character there is nothing there that we can see that would direct us to a possible motive as to why this might have occurred.”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“My son is not the type who would venture to the wrong side of the law. He comes from a police home. He is taught the right values. He is taught to be law abiding. He is taught to be hard working. He is taught to be ambitious. This is why he is where he is right now.”
Andrea Polanco
“Mister Arzu, you are a senior officer of the law and you come face to face with this kind of crime very often. This has hit close to home, well it has hit home, really. It is your son. What is going through your mind at this time?”
Supt. Daniel Arzu Sr.
“As a Police Officer, I am well trained at home and abroad. I know that crime carries no borders, it has no owners. This is my expectation that even myself could be a victim. I maintain my cool and I am calm to the situation because I understand what crime is. This is the reason why I feel shaken nonetheless, simple because I was on the other side just a few weeks ago. I was investigating a homicide in my area and we successfully investigated that matter. And this time around I am a victim or my family is a victim of crime.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
