Chinese merchant fights armed jacker … and wins
They can be counted among the brave few who set up shop in the toughest neighbourhoods in Belize, and even though the criminal element long ago declared open season on Chinese merchants, tonight one young man is behind bars because a frustrated store owner decided to fight back. News Five’s Jacqueline Woods has the details.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Sixteen year old Winston James is the man police say put a gun to a businessman head?s during a store robbery in Belize City over the weekend.
The drama unfolded around nine on Friday night at UFO Kenny?s Shop on Fairweather Street. But what began as routine attack against a member of the Chinese community quickly became more than the robbers could handle.
Jacqueline Woods
?Lee Meng Tang was apparently by this side door about to close the store for the day when he was approached by James, who pointed a firearm at his head and ordered him back into the building. Tang told police once they got inside two other young men followed them into the store. ?
This morning when we visited the store Tang was unavailable, but one of the shop?s assistants, who did not wish to appear on camera, says he was inside the building at the time of the incident. The employee says while he could not see the robbers, he was very aware that a crime was in progress.
Voice of Shop Assistant
?I only hear one of the gunmen say, ?give up all the money, we want everything and we noh di play.? I notice now?I say, what, them bally serious, I hope none ah them noh shoot, because I know I noh inna danger way, right, because I deh way over yah so, but the man they noh bother come beyond dah point weh they deh. They stay up over yonder.?
As the store was being robbed of more than fifteen hundred dollars in cash and five hundred dollars worth of phone cards, Tang has told police he saw an opportunity to overpower the gunman. Authorities say Tang was able to grab James and take away the weapon. The sudden action frightened the thief?s accomplices who fled the scene, leaving their companion behind.
Voice of Shop Assistant
?Even though the boss do that, I noh know if he sent a message to the Chinese people or what not, but me personally advise better you noh get inna no problem like that, better you just lef them mek they take what they want cause they have the advantage, they have the gun inna their hand, they could do what they want.?
When police arrived on the scene Tang handed over James and a point twenty-two handgun. We understand that eight hundred dollars of the stolen money, a number of the phone cards, along with Tang?s laptop and cell phone were later recovered. Jacqueline Woods for News Five.
Police describe sixteen year old Winston James as a habitual criminal. He has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and keeping an unlicensed firearm. Police continue to look for his two accomplices. If you have any information that may assist authorities please call the nearest station or Crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-TIPS.
