Policeman Remanded to Prison for Aggravated Assault

Thirty-five-year-old David Gongora, a police constable and resident of Roaring Creek Village, appeared in court unrepresented this morning, where he was charged with two counts of harm and one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.  The charges stem from an incident here in Belize City on September first, when P.C. Gongora allegedly injured two persons, including fellow police officer Kersha Pelayo, and Astry Burgos.  He is also accused of one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Elroy Casimiro, a secondary school teacher.  It is reported that the trio was standing in line waiting to purchase food from a vendor near the corner of King Street and Amara Avenue when Gongora arrived at the location.  He allegedly entered the line in front of the Pelayo and the two other people when an altercation ensued.  During the exchange, Gongora reportedly struck Pelayo twice in the face before threatening Casimiro with his firearm.  In the magistrate’s court this morning, Gongora pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Due to the nature of the offense, bail was not granted, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November fifteenth, 2024.