“Robbery” gets shot while committing robbery on his own street

A robbery attempt this afternoon escalated to a shootout inside the popular Dits Restaurant in downtown Belize City. The restaurant manager told News Five that she was gone a mere ten minutes when she received a call about a shooting at the business. The facts are that a group of five men were having a late lunch and there were three employees on the job when the gunman stormed in. But he wasn’t after the cash register; it is believed that twenty-two year old Aspinal Welch, who coincidentally goes by the nickname “Robbery”, had his eyes on several gold chains that one of the customers was wearing. The armed hold-up, however, was foiled when Welch was shot by the man he targeted and was detained until the cops came. Welch, who is no stranger to cops, is now admitted at the K.H.M.H. under police guard. Police Press Officer, Raphael Martinez, says a second person was also arrested.

Raphael Martinez, Police Press Officer

Raphael Martinez

“At approximately three o’clock this afternoon, November twenty-first, 2012, police were called to number fifty King Street, the Ditz restaurant here in Belize City where they saw one twenty-two year old Aspinall Welch suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to both legs. Initial investigations reveal that earlier, the same afternoon just before three o’clock thereabouts, Welch entered Ditz restaurant here in Belize City brandishing a firearm. He allegedly went towards a customer. Subsequently a struggle ensued between the customer and Welch. Several shots were fired. Welch reportedly fell to the floor where the customer took out his licensed nine millimeter firearm and fired a single shot causing the wounds to both of Welch’s legs.”

Patrick Jones, Love TV

“You said that several shots were fired; who fired those shots?”

Raphael Martinez

“The shots were fired by Welch.”

Patrick Jones

“And as far as you know only one shot was fired by the victim?”

Raphael Martinez

“Yes, one shot that caused the injury to Welch.”

Delahnie Bain

“Any idea as to the motive as yet?”

Raphael Martinez

“The motive was robbery. As a matter of fact, police have since recovered a point three-eight revolver from Welch and they’ve also detained one other person in connection with this attempted Robbery. Also, five expended point three-eight shells were found within that point three-eight revolver.  If the police investigation continues the way it is, I think that person acted in self defense. It’s a bit premature to say at this point, but based on what we’ve gotten so far and where the investigation is leading, it seems that would be the logical conclusion.”

The charges to be levied against Welch and his accomplice have not yet determined. After the incident this afternoon, the restaurant was shut down for the rest of the day and the manager says she’s not sure if it will be opened on Thursday.