Bystander injured as robbers shoot at cops
It’s not on the same scale as the pre-Christmas crime rush, but a trio of gunmen looking for some Easter cash struck last night in downtown Belize City. By the time they were finished, a bystander lay wounded and a suspect was in custody.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Most stores on King Street were still open at seven-forty-five Wednesday night when three armed masked men walked into Gaylord and held up its employees. The robbers not only ransacked the store and stole five hundred dollars, but badly beat up the store’s security guard Kimani Lacayo and stole his thirty-eight revolver. But a police car was in the vicinity and its officer was alerted about the crime. Authorities say as the vehicle arrived on the scene the robbers opened fire. The lone cop returned fire, but was unable to stop the men.
G. Michael Reid, Police Press Officer
“We are not surprised by much anymore Jackie, it’s unfortunate that these guys feel safe enough to go out there and commit these acts in broad daylight sometimes. So certainly it is of concern to the department and we’re doing all we can to ensure better safety for the citizens of our nation.”
The gunmen managed to escape on bicycles but the police quickly caught up with one of the suspects, who is now in custody. Unfortunately, one of robbers’ bullets injured fourteen-year-old Lawrence Johnson. Johnson, who did not wish to appear on camera, says he was standing across the street in front of this store when the shooting started.
Lawrence Johnson, Shooting Victim
“I see wah tall man weh got on mask bring out the security and dash the security aside. Afterwards the police run behind a van weh mi deh deh and afterwards a man pan bike bust shots and afterwards the police bust back shots and afterwards I see my foot fling one side and I run inside and I run out back and I see my foot the bleed.”
Jacqueline Woods
“That’s when you realise that you had gotten shot?”
Lawrence Johnson
“Yes ma’am.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What happened then?”
Lawrence Johnson
“Afterwards a man just come and tie and undershirt on my foot and afterwards the policeman bring me dah hospital right yah.”
Johnson received a gunshot wound to his left upper thigh. He has since been released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
The security guard was treated for his bruises and released. Meanwhile, the police say they know the identity of the other two suspects and believe they will soon have them in custody.
