Ambush on Pregnant Alley Ascribed to Gang Rivalry
Hugh Thomas
Just a few minutes before the daring assault on a group of men at Win Kee Saloon, Belize City police were busy securing a crime scene on Cemetery Road. A preliminary investigation has revealed that Hugh Thomas was driving a vehicle in the area of Pregnant Alley when he was ambushed. A shooter reportedly emerged from the narrow passage and discharged a firearm in the direction of the motorist, injuring him in the back. The incident, according to Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, was triggered by an ongoing feud between gangs in that neighborhood.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Eastern Division
“Sometime after seven p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they observed a male person by the name of Hugh Thomas, a twenty-five-year-old Belizean suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of his back. What police have gathered so far is that Mr. Thomas was driving his vehicle on Cemetery Road, heading towards Albert Street and whilst approaching Pregnant Alley, a male person came out from Pregnant Alley and fired several shots in his direction, causing the abovementioned injuries. He was admitted last night and he was treated and later discharged from the hospital. So far no one has been detained, but police are seeking two persons for questioning in regards to this shooting.”
Alejandro Cowo
Reporter
“Have you been able to determine a motive for this shooting?”
ASP Alejandro Cowo
“Well we understand, and we have clear, the rivalry between the two neighboring gangs in that area and we suspect that the shooting is because of that rivalry that exists between the two gangs in the immediate area there, you know.”
Reporter
“Was he associated with any of the gangs or was he just targeted randomly?”
ASP Alejandro Cowo
“He is a well-known person from one of the neighboring gangs in that area.”
Reporter
“Any suspects, sir?”
ASP Alejandro Cowo
“No, we don’t have any suspects but we are looking for two persons that can assist us.”
