Salvadoran National Avoids Charges After Bus Conductor Drops Assault Case

A Salvadoran national accused of brandishing a firearm at a bus conductor during a dispute at the Michael Finnegan Market yesterday has escaped charges.  Sigfrido Ernesto Diaz Trigueros, a 34-year-old Industrial Engineer, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm after an alleged altercation with Bryton Morrio, a conductor for Silva’s Bus Company. However, during his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola, Morrio unexpectedly withdrew the charges, stating he wished to resolve the matter out of court.  Morrio explained to the court that he and Trigueros had reached an agreement to settle the dispute, with Trigueros agreeing to compensate him for the damage caused to the bus.  The prosecutor, after verifying that Morrio was acting of his own free will, offered no further evidence against Trigueros. The Chief Magistrate subsequently dismissed the charges, allowing Trigueros to walk free.  According to Morrio’s initial report, the incident occurred just after seven o’clock in the morning when a falling object damaged the bus mirror near the Belize City Bus Terminal. Morrio and the bus driver subsequently confronted the owner of the fruit stall responsible for the damage.  During the confrontation, Morrio alleged that Trigueros became aggressive and threatened him, pulling out a nine millimeter threatening that if Morrio doesn’t leave he would shoot him.  Fearing for his safety, Morrio sought assistance from the police.  Police apprehended Trigueros, who was found in possession of a Springfield Armory pistol with a valid gun license.  Trigueros was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.