Prison Escape Attempt Foiled Outside Belize City Magistrate’s Court

A dramatic escape attempt outside the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning ended quickly after a prison officer gave chase and fired a warning shot.  Around 8:30, three prisoners were being escorted from the Belize Central Prison bus into the courthouse on Coney Drive. Among them was 26-year-old Omar Morales, already serving time for burglary and facing additional robbery charges.  Morales made a run for freedom, sprinting toward the fence that separates the court compound from BEL’s property. Senior Prison Officer Francis Hernandez immediately gave chase. As Morales jumped the fence, Officer Hernandez fired a warning shot into the air, forcing the escapee to slow down. Moments later, Morales was caught and taken back into custody.  Morales was in court to answer to two pending robbery charges, which were adjourned until October 8. He had been expecting release from prison later this month, but now faces a likely additional charge for attempted escape.