Department of Transport Condemns Assault on Traffic Warden

On Thursday, the Department of Transport responded to an assault incident against a traffic warden that took place on November 26, 2024. The incident involved a passenger aboard a bus who targeted a Belize City Council traffic officer. 

“Such acts of violence against traffic enforcement officers are unacceptable,” the department said, and reminded the public that these officers have the same powers as Belize Police officers when carrying out their duties.

Thirty-one-year-old Evan Nicholas Cain, a part-time bus conductor and care-giver from Biscayne Village, was remanded to Belize Central Prison until next Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Cain was charged with aggravated assault against traffic officer Kenrick Deshield.

 “Any form of aggression toward these officers undermines the rule of law,” the department stated. 

The department praised the Belize Police Department for swiftly apprehending the suspect, acknowledging that “quick action underscores the importance of upholding justice.” As a result, the department launched an investigation into the bus company involved and committed to hold them accountable for any violations of their road service permit. 

However, the bus company in question had issued its own statement a day prior, stating that it “categorically rejects these allegations as false, misleading, and without merit” and denounced the claims that one of its buses was in violation of any laws. While the company admitted allowing standing passengers at times to keep things moving, it denied that any were onboard during the incident with the traffic officer. The company criticised media outlets for not contacting them for comment, claiming the story was incomplete and damaging to their reputation.