Police catch burglars in the act
If you follow the local news closely, you might have noticed that lately gas stations have become a staple for the criminal element. Unfortunately, that often translates into a loss in money and has left more than one security guard beaten up and even killed. Early this morning, the Freetown Esso Gas Station was the latest victim in this string of violence. Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The three burglars first tried to enter the gas station by breaking the lock on the front door. But when that did not work, one of the young men took a crowbar and smashed in one of the glass doors. Once inside, the thieves went straight to the cash register and stole one hundred and forty-four dollars and seventy-five cents. But that’s all the men could grab because they were in the building for under a minute when police pulled up.
G. Michael Reid, Police Press Officer
“When police arrived they observed two guys running from the scene. At the same time, a blue car that was parked nearby sped off in the direction of the Belcan Bridge. Police in the vehicle pursued the car, while police on foot pursued the two guys who were running. One of the guys allegedly turned to one of the police officers with an object in his hand that resembled a gun. The police opened fire and hit him once in the left leg. It turned out that the object was a gun, a point twenty-five automatic, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
At the same time, the blue car, which sped off was intercepted by police. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered acetylene and oxygen gas and a torch, and stuff used for cutting through metal. The young man in the vehicle was taken into custody; the two suspects who were running were also apprehended. At the scene, the police found the security who was on duty at the time with his hands tied behind his back and basically abandoned in the bushes.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What you think contributed to the police’s quick response?”
G. Michael Reid
“The police have been on the alert for these gas station robberies, which have been happening with some frequency. We must credit the members of the community, who were alert enough to call the police and inform us of what was going on. And we’d like to encourage more members of the community out there to do the same; we have to get involved. It is up to us to do our share to make sure that Belize becomes safer. We need to take back our city.”
Whether they knew or simply chose to ignore the station’s security camera, the equipment did capture two of the burglars. The tape shows one of the men first standing near the counter and then quickly walking off. A short time later, another man is then seen jumping over the counter before running away. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.
The wounded burglar has been identified as Kenrick Reneau, while his two accomplices are Kareem Young and Orin Humes. All three are in custody pending charges of burglary, aggravated assault and keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
