Policeman Survives Hail of Bullets at Burrell Boom Station

The rash of shootings overnight was not limited to the Old Capital, as gun violence also found its way to Burrell Boom Village.  This time, however, the intended target was a police officer who came under fire when a masked gunman struck the police station.  PC Chris Staine narrowly avoided injury after being shot at by an unknown person who walked up to the substation and peppered the building with bullets.  This morning, his colleagues at the Crimes Investigation Branch shared details of the incident with the media.

Alejandro Cowo

ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Eastern Division

“Burrell Boom police reported that police constable Chris Staine was inside of the Burrell Boom Police Station when he observed a male person wearing a mask approaching the front door.  The said male person then fired two shots at him, luckily he escaped unhurt and as a result the police retrieved his issued shotgun and fired shots at the male person who escaped from the police station compound.  Police processed the scene at the station and observed that there were two suspected bullet holes on the window of the police station.  So far police are looking for one male person that can assist in this investigation.”

Reporter

“Now sir, this is a brazen act from any underworld figure here in Belize.  Is the police department or is that particular outpost of police, have they ramped up security?  Somebody walking up to the police station with a mask on is not something to be taken lightly.”

ASP Alejandro Cowo

“It is something that is not being taken lightly.  The police are taking all measures and they have been encouraged that they must be vigilant and that they must be there to protect themselves.”