Two Minors Detained for Shooting of George Street General
Two minors believed to be affiliated with the Ghost Town Gang are tonight in custody for the brazen attempted murder of a George Street boss, Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham. Zimbab was at a tire shop at the corner of Lakeview and Banak Streets, well within Ghost Town Crips territory, when it is believed that he was spotted by a member of the rival gang and attacked. Abraham was shot to the neck and arm and was rushed to the K.H.M.H. He remains hospitalized in a stable condition. Five nine millimeter shells were recovered from the scene and within minutes, one person was detained nearby by police in the area. But since the shooting of “Zimbab” around ten on Thursday morning, the police department has been tightlipped on the investigation; that is, until today when the Officer Commanding the Crime Investigation Branch in Belize City, Superintendent Hilberto Romero, gave a short press briefing at the Queen Street Police Station. But there are more questions than answers and the police say that a motive has still not been established, despite the obvious fact that both the victim and the accused are members of rivaling gangs.
Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., CIB, Belize City
Hilberto Romero
“An investigation was carried out which has led to the detention of two minors and as soon as the investigation is concluded, we will determine whether they will be charged.”
Reporter
“Sir explain to me how first of all were the police able to respond quickly enough to apprehend…”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“Yes, quick police response led to the detention of one of the minors who is now in custody. Police responded adequately and they pursued one person and he was apprehended. There was a patrol closer to the gas station in that area because the shooting actually happened on Lakeview Street.”
Carlos "Zimbab" Abraham
Reporter
“Sir, explain to me. These young men are gang affiliated? These suspects and the detained person?”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“Yes, we believe they are gang affiliated, the suspects that are in custody.”
Reporter
“Now are you all able to say about the firearm? I know you said one of the suspects was apprehended, but no firearm?”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“No firearm has been recovered regarding this shooting.”
Reporter
“Have you established a motive?”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“No we are working on several leads at this time, but we don’t have no motive at this time.”
Duane Moody
“Sir, is it safe to say that all parties involved are gang related, one and two, what is the police going to do to ensure that there isn’t any repercussion due to this incident?”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“Yes the parties involved are gang members and we have stepped up our patrols. We have put additional personnel in the areas concern over the weekend and even going towards the month of December. We have several operations to be launched to try and control any future escalation of violence on the streets.”
Reporter
“Can it be considered gang warfare between both gangs, George Street and Ghost Town?”
Supt. Hilberto Romero
“Like I mentioned, we are still working on a motive. As soon as we have that, we can pass it on, but at this time, we are recording statements. The shooting happened yesterday and we are still working on some statements.”
So going into the weekend, there has been a boost in patrols and an increase in number of officers on the streets as police go on high alert for the possibility of retaliation.
