By Belize Live News Staff: A simple request for water turned into a violent robbery for an elderly shop owner in August Pine Ridge Village on Monday morning.
Police say the 85 year old was sitting on the verandah of his grocery shop around 10:00am when a man came up and asked for water. When the shopkeeper stood up to help, the man grabbed him by the neck and choked him.
The elderly man was then dragged into the shop and thrown to the floor while the attacker went through the cash drawer. He took a purse holding about $1,000 and ran off.
The victim, who was left with pain to his throat, called his daughter and the police. He was treated at the Northern Regional Hospital, and his injuries were certified as harm.
He told police he clearly recognized the attacker, saying it was a sunny morning, nothing blocked his view, and he has known the man for many years.
Police have recorded his statement and say the man is wanted.
It is the third violent incident reported in August Pine Ridge in less than a week. Police are also investigating a machete attack in which a man says his father cut him over a land dispute, and a separate family altercation that left a woman injured.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange Walk Police Station.
