Police Officer Charged After Domestic Stabbing Incident

A Belize City police officer is tonight out on bail after being charged in connection with a violent domestic incident that left both him and his common-law wife with stab wounds.

Thirty-seven-year-old Police Constable Mercedes Genaro Chiac, attached to the GI3 Unit, was arraigned today before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he was read two charges, use of deadly means of harm and wounding, against his common-law wife, twenty-eight-year-old Rosie Muñoz.  The incident, which occurred on Sunday night on Riverside Street, reportedly escalated from a domestic dispute into a violent altercation. Police say Muñoz reported that Chiac physically assaulted her, punching her and choking her before allegedly retrieving a knife and stabbing her to the neck. Authorities say Chiac then turned the weapon on himself, inflicting a wound to his own neck.  Both individuals were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.  In court today, no plea was taken, as the prosecution indicated that directives are being awaited from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether the matter will proceed summarily or on indictment at the High Court.  Meanwhile, in a notable development, Chiac’s common-law wife was present at the courthouse but did not enter the courtroom. Reports suggest she intended to withdraw the complaint; however, the court did not entertain any such request at this stage of proceedings.  Chiac was granted bail in the sum of two thousand dollars with one surety of the same amount, which he was able to meet this afternoon. As part of his bail conditions, restrictions are expected to be in place to ensure the safety of the complainant.  He is due back in court on June 9.  The case marks the second incident in recent days involving a police officer before the courts on allegations of domestic violence, raising renewed concerns about conduct within the Belize Police Department and the handling of such matters through the justice system.