Policeman detained in assault

A Caye Caulker policeman has been detained in a bizarre incident that occurred last night in Belize City. Jacqueline Woods reports from the scene on Flamboyant Street.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Twenty-three year old Stephanie Francis’ left hand remains bandaged after she tried to protect her common-law husband Mark Arzu from being stabbed to death. Around 9:30 on Monday night Arzu, who is a tourism police officer, was sitting on his veranda when he was approached and assaulted by at least ten young men. Francis, who did not wish to appear on camera, says she was inside the house making supper when Arzu stumbled inside the building.

Voice of Stephanie Francis

“When I look see my bwai drop on the floor and he di bawl. A see a crowd di kick him up and he di try fight for himself. My sister grab him and haul him in, and when my sister haul him in I grab him and same time when they di look fi juk (stab) him they ketch me in my hand. The thing gone through and through my hand.”

Francis did not want to say why the men attacked them, but police say the incident was the result of a jealous ex-boyfriend. Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.

Police say Arzu was able to identify one of his attackers as police constable Mario Gonzales. Gonzales has since been detained along with eighteen year old Jermaine Novelo.