Police officer, licensed gun holder detained after 26-year-old shot during Belmopan dispute

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A police officer and a licensed firearm holder have both been detained as investigators try to determine who shot a 26-year-old man during a dispute in Las Flores, Belmopan on Monday night.

Police say officers responded to a residence at around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, following a report of a dispute. During the police response, the 26-year-old man was shot and injured.

He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

According to police, the investigation has so far established that both a licensed firearm holder who was involved in the original dispute and a responding police officer may have discharged their weapons.

Both firearms have been seized, packaged and will be submitted for comparative ballistic testing to determine which weapon fired the shot that struck the victim. Police say an expedited examination will be requested because the ballistic findings are expected to help determine how the investigation proceeds.

Both the licensed firearm holder and the police officer have been detained, and police have launched separate criminal and internal investigations into the incident.

During Tuesday’s press briefing, police were also questioned about allegations circulating on social media that the responding officer may have given the licensed gun holder permission to fire. Police said investigators were not aware of any information supporting that claim and stressed that there is presently no indication that the officer and firearm holder had any prior agreement or plan to act together.

Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information supporting those allegations to make a formal report.

The identities of the detained men have not been released because neither has been charged at this time.

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