BDF Soldier Charged After Alleged DUI Leads to Road Accident in Stann Creek

A Belize Defence Force soldier has been criminally charged after being involved in a road traffic incident while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. On Tuesday night, 48-year-old Joseph Avila and another soldier were traveling in a Hino military truck on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway when the incident occurred. Avila told police that a motorcycle without lights had suddenly entered his lane around 6:30 near the Bocawina junction. He says he attempted to avoid a collision and swerved into the left lane and then back to the right, but lost control of the truck. He attempted to regain control, but the vehicle flipped into the ditch. Fortunately, the soldiers were unharmed, while the truck, whose license had expired in September 2023, received extensive damage. Police say while speaking to Avila, they detected a strong smell of alcohol. He was taken to the Dangriga Police Station, where he refused to provide a urine sample. Avila was then transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he again refused a blood test. Avila was then served a notice of intended prosecution, and on Thursday, he was charged by police. Police slapped the soldier with one count of failure to provide specimen and one count of driving without due care and attention.  At the time of the incident, the men were traveling from Punta Gorda Town to Price Barracks in Ladyville after dropping off troops.