Seven Charged After Violent Confrontation With Police in Paraiso Village

A group of seven individuals from Paraiso Village in the Corozal District is facing criminal charges following a chaotic and violent altercation with police that was caught on camera and has since gone viral. Hugo Poncio, Javier Salazar, Jose Luis Salazar Jr., Cesar Salazar, Jose Luis Salazar Sr., Judith Salazar, and Samuel Salazar have all been formally charged with “Obstructing Police,”.  According to a sworn complaint dated July 9th, 2025, the individuals allegedly obstructed Police Corporal Arturo Leal on July 8th while he was carrying out his duties in the village. Love News spoke with Poncio today who explained they will be going to court tomorrow. 

Hugo Salazar, Victim: “That could happen to anybody.”

Reporter: And Mr.Hugo in today the session that happened today here at the police station how was the outcome of that ? How is that feeling ? 

Hugo Salazar, Victim: “Good. The people are out here and this is an injustice because they arrested me without doing anything. I just gone to see the parade and things got worse and when I came here I explained and they still locked me down and now they gave me bail and tomorrow I have to go to court.”

Footage of the incident circulating widely on social media shows police officers striking multiple villagers with batons, including a woman, during what appears to be a heated confrontation.