By Belize Live News Staff: Authorities in Belize have identified the man believed to have hijacked a Tropic Air flight on Thursday as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old U.S. national from California.
The small passenger aircraft was reportedly mid-flight when Taylor allegedly brandished a knife, sparking panic among passengers and crew. The pilot contacted air traffic control, and the aircraft was seen circling the Belize District for several minutes while the situation unfolded.
After the plane made an emergency landing, law enforcement moved in swiftly. According to police sources, Taylor resisted arrest and was fatally shot during the confrontation. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that the suspect had visible injuries and blood on his face as officers surrounded the aircraft. His identity was later confirmed through his U.S. passport, which was photographed and shared internally among airport staff.
A source from Philip Goldson International Airport told Breaking Belize News, “All flights were grounded temporarily, and staff were extremely shaken. We’ve never experienced anything like this.”
Taylor had entered Belize earlier this week without a visa, reportedly as a tourist. Authorities have yet to confirm his motive or whether any passengers were physically harmed during the ordeal.
The Department of Civil Aviation and the Belize Police Department are conducting a joint investigation. Tropic Air has not yet issued a public statement.
This marks one of the most alarming aviation security breaches in Belize’s recent history.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
