Alleged Burglar Escapes from Corozal Police

An accused burglar escaped from lawful custody earlier today after feigning ill during his court appearance in Corozal Town.  The suspect told the magistrate that he was not feeling well and when a police officer was ordered to escort him to the hospital, he took off running.  The officer quickly set chase, ran a short distance and took a nasty spill.  The accused then made good his escape.  While the alleged thief remains at large, a short video clip of the pursuit has gone viral on social media.  Here is Police Commissioner Chester Williams explaining what transpired.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I saw almost all the media houses posting this video, making news out of somebody’s misfortune.  I don’t know, but it goes to show the type of society we have become.  People making fun of the police.  Obviously, the police was doing his job, he made an effort to pursue the suspect and in the process there was a drain, apparently he was not looking where he was running and he tripped.  It could happen to anybody, including, I have seen professional runners, people on track and field tripping and falling.  Why make a big deal because the police fell while pursuing a suspect.  The young man in question had gone to court on burglary charges and I guess he was playing possum to the magistrate that he was not feeling well and the magistrate ordered the police to take him to the hospital and as he got to the hospital you saw what happened.  He used that opportunity to escape, so obviously there was nothing wrong with him, but he just wanted to find a way to escape from the police.  At this time the police in Corozal are still in search of that individual and we are hoping that he will be found very shortly.”