Investigation Launched Following Police Shooting in Rural Belize

An internal and criminal investigation has been launched within the Belize Police Department following a shooting incident in Rural Belize. On Sunday night, 38-year-old, Wilford Dawson was socializing in Gardenia Village, Belize District when he began displaying disorderly conduct.  Police were called out and attempted to talk to Dawson but he armed himself with a piece of lumber and advanced on the Police.  Despite being told to stand down, and a warning shot fired, Dawson reportedly continued his pursuit and was subsequently shot in the right ankle by the Police. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, explained that the matter has since been passed on to the police’s Professional Standards Branch unit. 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “Police responded where upon arrival they saw a male person behaving disorderly. Police attempted to detain him at which time he attacked one of the officers with a piece of board. The officer drew his service weapon and fired at the male person and shot him to the foot. The person was taken to the KHMH for treatment. Thereafter he was released and that person has since been arrested and charged for the crime of aggravated assault. We responded to a call from a person that was complaining that this person was behaving disorderly and passing some threats and that is how police responded to that area that is where the incident occurred.”