By Belize Live News Staff: Police in the Cayo District are investigating an attempted murder following a violent home invasion that left a tour operator injured in Frank’s Eddy Village.
Authorities say the incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Dark Knight area of the village.
According to police reports, a woman was at home when she heard a vehicle enter the yard. Believing it was her husband returning with their children, she did not initially suspect danger.
However, she soon saw her children entering the house at gunpoint followed by three masked men armed with what appeared to be firearms.
The intruders reportedly restrained the woman by tying her hands and taping her mouth while they searched the home for valuables.
About ten minutes later, 68-year-old Bradley Paumen arrived at the residence and called for the door to be opened.
Police say one of the suspects opened the door and the attackers immediately assaulted him.
During the confrontation, the suspects demanded the password to a safe inside the house.
When they were unable to access it, one of the men fired a shot, hitting Paumen.
The attackers then carried away the safe containing cash and jewelry before fleeing the scene toward a nearby river.
Paumen was transported to the Western Regional Hospital where he was treated for gunshot wounds.
He later told investigators that he struggled with the attackers and that one suspect attempted to shoot him in the head, but the firearm reportedly malfunctioned.
Police say investigations into the home invasion and attempted murder are ongoing.
