Accused burglar shot by police in front of court house
An official investigation is underway tonight after police shot a man just outside the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. We are not sure if thirty-two year old Gareth Humes knew that the police were looking for him but when he showed up to sign in as part of his bail for a burglary charge, an officer on duty recognized him as a suspect in another case. But when the long arm of the law reached out to grab Humes, the wanted man bolted. A chase ensued down the court steps and out the building but he did not get very far. Police brought down the suspect with a single gunshot to the leg. According to police press officer G. Michael Reid the officers had no choice because during the chase Humes stopped and confronted them in a threatening manner.
G. Michael Reid, Police Press Officer
?Sometime around ten this morning the police at the Magistrate Court recognized an individual who was wanted for two burglaries. And the individual happen to be on bail for one burglary and was in fact at court to sign in, as you know people who are on bail are sometimes required to sign in at intervals at the court. The police attempted to apprehend the individual; he broke away from the police and ran towards Plues Street area. The police again cornered him in an area on Plues Street between Dean and King. The individual refused to surrender and in fact turn towards the police where as one shot was fired and the individual was hit to the left foot just in the instep area. He was transported to the K.H.M.H. where he remains under police guard awaiting charges of burglary.?
As police managed to catch one burglar, they are also cautioning schools to be careful during the registration process, and are offering managers assistance in planning security measures. One idea the police have suggested is to have students make their fee deposits at local banks instead of making cash payments at the schools. On Thursday afternoon, two armed masked men entered the Anglican Cathedral College office and stole over twelve thousand dollars from the cash pan. Police have yet to make an arrest in connection with that hold up and burglary.
