Coast Guard Patrol Under Fire…Kills One Man

In San Pedro, there was also a loss of life. Investigations, both criminal and internal, are taking place into a shootout involving the Belize Coast Guard and three civilians in an area known as a hot spot for wet drops. The incident occurred this morning at around ten-thirty twenty-one and a half miles north of San Pedro Town. San Pedro police confirm the deadly exchange of gunfire occurred between civilians believed to be beach combers and members of the Belize Coast Guard who were on a special operation in the area. The Deputy Commander of the Coastal Executive Unit attached to the San Pedro Police Formation, Inspector Henry Jemmott, says that the Coast Guard was on foot patrol along the beach in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve area when they came under gunfire. They returned fire, fatally wounding Peter Castillo, who is originally from Punta Gorda. He was hit on his hands and chest.  His lifeless body was found in a bushy area close to the beach; nearby was a pump action firearm with six live rounds. There is reason to believe that another person may have been injured, but fled along with the third person. Witnesses say that as many as fifteen gunshots were heard in the area which is located less than half a mile from the Belize-Mexico border on Ambergris Caye. The Criminal Investigation Unit and Scenes of Crime attached to San Pedro Police descended on the scene this afternoon.  San Pedro Police took custody of the firearms used by the Coast Guard and the six officers have also been cautioned by police. As we said, simultaneous investigations are taking place.