Police Shoot Wanted Man in Foot, Say He Reached for a Gun

Police are investigating a shooting incident that left a Belize City man injured on Tuesday. The incident occurred along West Collet Canal, where officers on patrol encountered Edward Saldano, who was reportedly wanted by authorities. According to police, Saldano reached for a firearm under his shirt, leading to a struggle between him and the officers. During the altercation, police shot him in the foot.

Authorities say that during the struggle, Saldano tossed the weapon, which was later recovered. The firearm was identified as a 9mm pistol containing 14 live rounds of ammunition. Saldano was taken to the hospital for treatment and later released.

However, outside the hospital, Saldano’s mother, Joyce Martinez, expressed frustration over the shooting, arguing that the officers used unnecessary force. She believes her son is being unfairly targeted by law enforcement and questions whether the firearm truly belonged to him.

/’Look like he was at some stall and he see them and run apparently and they shot him. Then they look around to see if he had anything on him and they find a gun. So if you find a gun now dah fuh you? Yo nuh get no justice out yah, nun at all. If you nuh got money, nothing work. I tired of the police and deh nonsense,” she said.