A Police-involved Shooting in Hattieville

Alejandro Cowo

Shortly after a shooting in Belize City on the night of December thirtieth, Hattieville police responded to a domestic violence incident in the village. A woman requested assistance in a dispute with her common-law-husband Albert Reid.  While there is reportedly no history of domestic abuse between the couple recorded at the police station, officers say that Reid charged at them with a machete when they got to the scene. As a result, one of the officers pulled out his police-issued firearm and shot Reid in the left leg. Superintendent Alejandro Cowo says that an internal and criminal investigation is ongoing.

Supt. Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Eastern Division

“Hattieville police responded to a domestic dispute at the old Hattieville area where upon arrival they observed a male person; this person had a machete in his right hand. He was ordered by the police to put [down] the machete, however, we refused and advanced in a threatening manner towards the police who fired a single shot with their issued nine mm pistol. The person was taken to the hospital where he is still admitted in a stable condition. The person was identified as Albert Reid of that same address, Hattieville Village.”

Reporter

“Is the intention to charge him with anything?”

Supt. Alejandro Cowo

“Yes there is a report already made by the common-law-wife—the reason why the police responded to the domestic dispute at that residence.”