Dead cop and vehicle retrieved from river

Antonio Chan

The police department up north has lost one of their own in what is called a case of sudden death. Around eight-thirty on Saturday morning, Orange Walk Police visited the Belize New River near Honey Camp Street in Trial Farm Village; Orange Walk District where the lifeless body of the Antonio Chan was seen floating. The body of the forty-four year old police constable attached to Orange Walk Police Precinct, when retrieved from the river, had blood coming from his mouth and two small cut above both eyes. Initial reports reveal that earlier, around one a.m., Chan was socializing and six hours later, he was dead and his vehicle submerged in the river. News Five spoke with the officer commanding the Orange Walk Police, Senior Superintendent Joseph Myvette who says that Chan was working with the station for over three and a half years.

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette, O.C. Orange Walk Police

“On Saturday morning sometime around 7:20 a.m., the police was called to an area in Trial Farm in the area of Honey Camp Street where the body of a male person was seen floating in the water. The police then went into the water by getting a boat. The body was retrieved and later identified to be that of P.C. 886, Antonio Chan. The body was then transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where it was pronounced dead on arrival. P.C. Chan has been attached to the Orange Walk Police Formation for the past three and a half years where he has been working relief duties. At this time as we speak, the post mortem examination is being carried out in order to determine the cause of death. Upon the discovery of the body, I believe there were some abrasions over both eyes, the vehicle itself was found submerged in the water a few yards from where the body was found.”

Daniel Ortiz, Channel 7

“At this time, are you able to tell us what the police believe was the reason that caused the officer to end up in the water?”

Joseph Myvette

Supt. Joseph Myvette

“No at this point in time, we would not be able to determine that, but certainly there is an ongoing investigation hat is being conducted by our lead detective who is working along with the Deputy Commander, Assistant, Superintendent Fuentes.”