By Belize Live News Staff: Well known social media creator Benjamin Garcia of B Media Group was one of two men detained early Saturday after police heard gunshots near Social Lounge in Belize City.
According to a police report, Precinct 4 officers were conducting business checks at Social Lounge on the Philip Goldson Highway around 1:45am when they heard several shots as they exited their vehicle.
Officers saw a grey Ford F250 pickup speeding away and gave chase to the Pallotti Roundabout, where GI3 and Precinct 3 officers helped intercept it.
Two men stepped out and were handcuffed: Garcia, 27, of Belama Phase One, and a 36 year old Mexican businessman of Hopkins Village who was driving.
Before the truck was searched, Garcia told police he had a licensed 9mm pistol in the glove compartment. Officers recovered the gun with one round in the chamber and 11 in the magazine.
Both men were cautioned for discharging a firearm in public, and the police report said they would be jointly charged at the Belama Police Station.
But according to 7 News, Garcia was later released, and no charges have been laid.
7 News also reports that Garcia is closely linked to Michel Chebat, the newly appointed Minister of National Security, who now oversees the Belize Police Department. Garcia has been publicly visible as part of the Minister’s public relations team.
Police have not explained why the men were not charged or whether the investigation remains open. Minister Chebat has not commented on the matter.
Garcia did not respond to requests for comment.
Clarification: An earlier report by Belize Live News stated, citing 7 News, that Benjamin Garcia had been released without charge. Attorneys for the Honourable Michel Chebat state that Mr. Garcia remained in police custody at the time of publication. Belize Live News did not allege, and does not allege, that Minister Chebat had any involvement in the arrest, detention, investigation, treatment or release of Mr. Garcia. Through his attorneys, Minister Chebat categorically denies any such involvement.
