Truck Driver Shot in Brazen Robbery on George Price Highway

A truck driver was shot during a brazen robbery on Friday evening near mile 12 on the George Price Highway. Around 5:30, Eliss Arkliss was heading to Belize City after making deliveries in Hattieville when a man jumped out of a car parked on the side of the road and opened fire. The 37-year-old swerved to avoid the gunfire and crashed into a ditch. Police say the gunmen ran to the driver’s side of the cargo truck and shot Arkliss while his two sidemen dashed into nearby bushes. The robbers then grabbed the sideman’s knapsack and drove off in a waiting getaway vehicle. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, says quick police response led to the vehicle being intercepted on John Smith Road where three men were seen running into nearby bushes. 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “Police responded and intercepted the suspected car used in the robbery on the John Smith Road. Three male persons exited the car and made good their escape. An officer is at the Belize Medical Associates in stable condition at this time. Investigation into this matter continues. 

Reporter: Has the police been able to establish who was the owner of that vehicle ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “Yes we established who is the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle had been reported stolen a week prior.” 

Reporter: And the men ? Any idea where these men are from ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “No we are presently trying to establish who they are. They spotted the police vehicle at a far distance and they turned around their car so by the time when the police arrived there they had already ran into the bushes. They were not close by they spotted the police car coming.”