Shooting in Teakettle Amidst lull in Crime

2024 has been a violent year for Belize with fifty-seven murders recorded, as of June, according to statistics from the Belize Crime Observatory. To mitigate the incidents of gang-related crimes, the Belize Police Department enacted a state of emergency. Initially a sixty-day declaration, it was later extended to ninety days. Under the S.O.E., the nation has observed a decrease in murders. Nonetheless, there have still been reports of violent crimes. On Saturday, a man informed police that he had been attacked by two armed men. Police responded to the report, leading to one of the suspects being shot. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero provided further details of the incident.

 

Reporter

“Sir for 2024, the country is recording ten murders a month. What Is that the police department can do to get those numbers lowered?”

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“How much has been reported this month? I think what we can do is to keep the perpetrators behind bars like we are doing now.”

 

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Easter Division

“On Saturday police responded to a report in Teakettle Village. Upon their arrival, they phoned Orlando Reyes, who reported that two male persons had attacked him who were on a motorcycle.  He mentioned that the persons may be armed. Police checked in the area and spotted the motorcycle. They saw two persons.  Information is that upon seeing the police, one of them lifted up a firearm and pointed towards the police. The police returned fire towards him. One of the persons was shot. The person was identified as Kevin Tillett. He was taken for medical treatment and has since been released. He is now in custody and will be charged for aggravated assault.  We are seeking one more person who escaped from the area upon seeing the police.”

 

Reporter

“What were they doping in the area?”

 

Hilberto Romero

“They were just in that area when these persons came on a motorcycle and started to harass them and attack them.”

 

Reporter

“Any Motive?”

 

Hilberto Romero

“We don’t have a motive at this time.”

 

Reporter

“The person shot, what condition is he in?”

 

Hilberto Romero

“He is stable has been released, so he will be charged.”

 

Reporter

“Is he cooperating?”

 

Hilberto Romero

“No, he’s not.”

 

Reporter

“Is he known to police?:”

 

Hilberto Romero

“Ah, yes, he’s known to police, yeah.”

 

Reporter

And the other suspect as well?

 

Hilberto Romero

“Yeah, the other one as well.”