By Belize Live News Staff: A police officer is recovering after being shot in the line of duty outside Fire Nightclub early Monday morning in what quickly escalated into a high-speed shootout.
The incident began just before 1 a.m. when Cpl. Manuel Chub and another officer encountered a suspicious individual parked roadside on a motorcycle with no plates, just outside the popular nightspot on the Philip Goldson Highway.
The suspect, described as having dreadlocks and light complexion, was reportedly armed. When Chub ordered him to show his hands, the man drew a 9mm handgun and fired—striking the officer before speeding off.
The ensuing pursuit saw the suspect firing multiple shots at police vehicles, damaging windshields and hoods, before finally being subdued near Boom Junction. A Smith & Wesson pistol and a matching magazine were recovered, along with several shell casings.
The suspect, who hails from Crooked Tree Village, was treated for minor abrasions and is now in custody. Both he and Cpl. Chub are reported to be in stable condition, while police continue investigations into the motive behind the attack.
