Caye Caulker Businessman Walks Free After Aggravated Assault Charge Dropped

A Chinese businessman from Caye Caulker, Yu Cheng Xiao, was freed from an aggravated assault charge today after the complainant, a housekeeper at the Princess Ramada Hotel & Casino, requested no further court action. The incident unfolded on Saturday night at around 7:30 when Kitdalia Sarita Casasola, a Belizean housekeeper, reported that while delivering towels to Room #308, she encountered Xiao, who allegedly pointed a firearm at her. Cassasola immediately reported the incident to hotel management and later to the police, leading to an investigation and a warrant for Xiao’s arrest. Yesterday Xiao turned himself in to the police, surrendering his licensed 9mm Smith & Wesson firearm, which was taken in as evidence. He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and spent three nights in lockdown before appearing in court. During his court appearance Xiao, who was provided with a Mandarin interpreter, pleaded not guilty, stating, “Dat nuh go so” (That’s not how it happened). Xiao explained that he had been a victim of multiple robberies in the past and was startled when he heard an unexpected knock. Fearing for his safety, he opened the door cautiously while holding his firearm but claimed he never intended to harm Cassasola. Cassasola then informed the court that she no longer wished to pursue charges. She admitted to possibly overreacting, explaining, “I saw a gun, and I got frightened. I don’t know Xiao, and I don’t believe he knows me.” Given her statement, the Magistrate dismissed the charge against Xiao, and he was released. However, his firearm license was revoked.