Belize City Taxi Driver Remanded Over Gas Station Knife Attack

A Belize City taxi driver is behind bars following his arraignment in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court in connection with an aggravated assault on a gas pump attendant earlier this month. Thirty-eight-year-old Jovi Carballo, a taxi driver of McKay Boulevard, Belize City, appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate, where he was read a single charge of aggravated assault with a pocket knife.  Carballo initially entered a guilty plea with explanation, but after the facts of the case were read in court, he disagreed with the prosecution’s version of events. As a result, the court entered an equivocal plea of not guilty on his behalf.  The alleged incident occurred on Saturday, January 17, at the Puma Gas Station on Faber’s Road, Belize City. The complainant, 39-year-old Christopher Darrell Carter, told police that while on duty as a gas pump attendant, he was confronted by an aggressive customer demanding service, which escalated into a verbal dispute.  According to Carter, the man exited his vehicle, pulled a pocketknife from his pants pocket, and advanced toward him from close range. Fearing for his life, Carter said he backed away and ran toward a police officer who was on duty at the gas station. The assailant then reportedly returned to his vehicle and drove off.  Police later launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Carballo.  With no objection raised by the prosecution, the court granted Carballo bail in the sum of $1,500 with one surety. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered not to interfere with the victim or the victim’s family and to remain at least 25 feet away from Carter. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of bail.  Carballo was unable to meet the bail conditions and was therefore remanded to the Belize Central Prison until he does so.  His next court appearance is scheduled for March 6.