Police Officer Faces Charges After Firing Weapon at Gas Station in Drunken Rage

Police have also charged one of its own officers for several offenses after he fired his weapon at a gas station in a drunken rage. Over the weekend Thirty-three-year-old 33-year-old Detective Constable Christon Arnold got into an altercation with a 41-year-old Lord’s Bank resident, who was filling up at the Shell gas station Ladyville. Arnold proceeded to take his weapon and shoot one of the man’s tires. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero explained what kind of charges the officer is facing.

Sr.Supt Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division: “8 p.m. police responded to a report of a shot fired at the Shell gas station area in Ladyville. Upon arrival they met one person who reported that he was filling up gas when he was approached by another male person who had a verbal dispute with him. The person then pulled out the fireman fired one shot towards his tire which was punctured. An investigation was carried out into this report which led to the arrest of Christian Arnold, 33 years, a Belizean police officer who was charged for threatening words, discharge in firearm in public, damage to property and possession of firearm whilst under the influence of alcohol.”

Reporter: Okay, we were told that this officer was a special constable who became an officer?

Sr.Supt Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division: “He’s a police officer attached to the Belize Police Department.” 

Reporter: Okay, so he went through the training and everything ?

Sr.Supt Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division: “That is correct.”

Reporter: So in this case, apart from the criminal charges, he will also face disciplinary charges? 

Sr.Supt Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division: “Yes, that is correct. He will face discipline charges.”

Arnold has been placed on interdiction.