Three arrested in O.W. assault on cops
On last night’s newscast, using facts supplied to us by the Police Department, we reported that three Orange Walk residents had been charged in connection with a confrontation that left two cops injured. In recounting the events leading up the melee, our sources indicated that the trouble had taken place inside a popular nightspot in the town: Hi5. We went on to echo concerns by investigators that a fourteen year old, who was one of the three people arrested, had been allowed in the club. Well today we did our own extensive investigations which revealed that contrary to initial reports, while the off-duty cops were socializing in the club, the fight actually started in the street. As for the minor, he was apparently one of several young people who happened to be loitering in front of the establishment in the wee hours of Sunday morning. News Five’s Janelle Chanona travelled to Orange Walk today to get the story on the ground.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
Tonight investigations continue into an attack in Orange Walk that left two police officers injured. Around two on Sunday morning, Aurora Street erupted into violence as two off-duty cops: P.C.s John Ordonez and Trevor Lopez were assaulted by men armed with a knife and a broken bottle. According to lead investigator, Corporal Desmond Francisco, the two policemen were about to end their night out when the man with whom they were getting a ride called for help.
Corporal Desmond Francisco, Lead Investigator
“Somebody was actually sitting down on the civilian car and didn’t want to move, so he requested assistance because this civilian was also going to give them a drop.”
“Whilst they were doing that, a civilian stoned P.C. Lopez with a Guinness bottle. He dropped to the ground and meanwhile another one use a knife and cut him to the right shoulder. P.C. Ordonez seeing this, intervened and he was crowded by five persons, one out of which stabbed him three times to his lower back and another one stabbed him to the right side of his head.”
Janelle Chanona
“Where was all of this taking place?”
Corporal Desmond Francisco
“This took place on Aurora Street right in front of Hi5, here in Orange Walk town.”
Investigations into the incident have since led to the arrest of three people: twenty-five year olds Pedro Molina and James Pelayo, as well as a teenaged boy. All three were charged with Attempted Murder and Wounding.
Corporal Desmond Francisco
“Well the fourteen year old was the one who was seen doing the stabbing to P.C. John Lopez.”
Janelle Chanona
“Where did he come from? He was on the street, he was inside?”
Corporal Desmond Francisco
“Well he was around during the incident.”
The fourteen year olds’ alleged involvement in the crime prompted questions by both investigators and the media about Hi5’s policy with minors. Owner Adin Aragon declined an on-camera interview with News Five today, but in a press release issued to us maintains: “…When it comes to Hi5 service and good healthy entertainment, there is none better in Orange Walk. Hi5 has three security officers and does not allow known troublemakers to enter the club. The management is working hard at making not only the entire Hi5 premise a safe haven for people to relax and enjoy themselves but is also about to implement a strategy to make the entire street in front safe and secure.”
According to Corporal Francisco, it is a popular practice for people to use the area in front of the plaza as a hangout spot, but the investigator is treating the incident as an isolated occurrence.
Corporal Desmond Francisco
“I just think that that particular young person strayed away. Apparently the parents didn’t know that he was out there and I think that’s what happened. The crime situation is very, very low, it was just that incident for that particular week that we had to deal with and we dealt with it professionally.”
“The investigation is still ongoing and we have done our best to calm down the situation so that the police officers who were injured understand that we will investigate the matter and for them not to put it in their own hands.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.
P.C. Trevor Lopez is attached to the Prosecution Branch in Belize City while Officer John Ordonez is currently working in Ladyville. The three accused of injuring the cops have been remanded to Hattieville Prison as there is no immediate bail for those charged with Attempted Murder.
