Press Officer gives the cops’ version of shooting incident
Clement Palacio
There are many questions that still remain unanswered regarding the shooting of the Jamaican National. Did O’Neil have a weapon in his possession at the time of his death? Was the police officer who discharged his service weapon under the influence of alcohol? This afternoon News Five spoke to police press officer Clement Palacio about the police version of the shooting.
Clement Palacio, Police Press Officer
“On Saturday morning police responded to the report of a fight at a bar in Lord’s Bank. When they arrived, they saw a dark skin male person leaving the scene. Police were informed he had a weapon on him and they pursued him. during that pursuit, according to the police report, the guy pointed at the police and they fired at him, fatally wounding him.”
Jose Sanchez
“Did this gentleman fire back?”
Clement Palacio
“I’m not certain. He pointed a gun at them, as is written in the police report, and of course they shot him.”
Jose Sanchez
“Is there an investigation going on into the officer’s conduct?”
Clement Palacio
“As is the norm, when there is a shooting involving a police officer, internal affairs conducts an investigation and of course that will determine whether the shooting was justifiable.”
Jose Sanchez
“People are alleging that alcohol may have been involved since the officers were at a function?”
Clement Palacio
“I think the investigation will cover that and I don’t want to preempt what will be the ultimate determination.”
Jose Sanchez
“Blood samples sent to check for alcohol?”
Clement Palacio
“As is the norm when an investigation is conducted thoroughly, all these aspects will be covered.”
The police blotter circulated to the media says that O’Neil had a homemade gun in his possession. News Five is reliably informed that is an error. According to sources, O’Neil had a bicycle part known as a goose-neck in his hand at the time he was killed. Under the cover of darkness, and at the time of the shooting, it appeared to be a weapon.
drunking officers should not be carrying weapons. if i lived in lord’s bank i too would be scared of the police.
police shoud not have fired any shot but wated till the man reach his home and then process with their investigation.
Guess it’s a case of “Dead men Don’t Tell Tales”. Another case going into the books as “Solved”. Yed dozens are released from Murder charges due to lack of evidence, ‘missing’ files, alleged Police brutality during questioning, and disappearing witnesses!
Belize is now a haven for Gangsters, drug lords and criminals, all armed and all secure in the knowledge that they won’t do time if caught, due to this under equiped, under trained, under paid and corrupt Police Force.
Yet, if you park in the wrong place and forget to pay the ticket – Watch out!
Mr.Clement Palacio, no disrespect but my point of view your talk lone rubbished… If Mr. O Neil had a gun on him, like what your officers is claiming, they know in training school, that they should give off warning shots. ( like for examples shot him in his hands of feets, not his head) The Police Department is corrupt.. and that man life went down the drain… A child lost her dad, a wife lost her husband a family ruin.Just bacause of someone lock of knowledge. Or stupidity I should say…. Would’nt be suprise if its, not the same Police men killing all there Young Youths… How Come Evidences lost, or Eye witness cannot be found? Only Belize your heard that.. Come on Belize its Time for us to wake up.