By Belize Live News Staff: A U.S.-based consultant has been fined after pleading guilty to an aggravated assault against the Commissioner of Police in Belize, following an incident during carnival festivities.
Jaron James McKay, a 46-year-old Belizean-American from Phoenix, Arizona, found himself in trouble after a confrontation with Belize’s top police officer, Commissioner Chester Williams. The incident took place on Saturday when Williams was patrolling the carnival route in Orange Walk Town.
According to reports, McKay, who was accompanied by a woman, was seen consuming alcohol in public. Commissioner Williams approached the pair, requesting that they hand over the bottle, which led to an unexpected reaction. McKay, unaware of who Williams was, pushed the commissioner when asked for the bottle, prompting a swift arrest.
McKay was taken into custody and held at the Orange Walk Police Station. On Monday, he appeared in court, represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, and pleaded guilty to the charge of aggravated assault. Given that this was his first offense, McKay avoided jail time but was fined BZ$1,500. He has one week to pay the fine.
In a statement following the court hearing, McKay confirmed that he would remain in Belize for the next two weeks, concluding his visit despite the legal incident.
The Commissioner of Police has yet to comment on the matter, but the carnival festivities continued without further disruptions.
