By Belize Live News Staff: A police report identifies Benjamin Garcia of B Media Group as one of two men detained early Sunday after officers heard gunshots near Social Lounge in Belize City.
According to the report, Precinct 4 officers were conducting business checks at the establishment on the Philip Goldson Highway around 1:45 a.m. when they heard several shots as they exited their vehicle.
The report states that officers saw a grey Ford F250 pickup speeding away and pursued it to the Pallotti Roundabout, where GI3 and Precinct 3 officers assisted in intercepting the vehicle.
Police identified the occupants as Garcia, 27, and a 36-year-old man who was driving. According to the report, both men were handcuffed.
The report states that Garcia told officers a licensed 9mm pistol was in the glove compartment. Officers reportedly recovered the firearm with one round in the chamber and 11 in the magazine.
Police recorded that both men were cautioned in connection with suspected discharge of a firearm in public and indicated that charges were intended. That statement does not establish that charges were subsequently filed.
The information provided does not establish who fired the shots or whether the recovered firearm was used. Detention does not establish guilt.
An earlier report by Belize Live News, citing 7 News, stated that Garcia had been released without charge. That account was subsequently disputed by information stating that he remained in custody at the time of publication. Belize Live News has not independently confirmed his subsequent custody or charging status.
Garcia did not respond to requests for comment.
