By Belize Live News Staff: A bus conductor in Belize City was remanded to jail on Tuesday after pleading guilty to assaulting a traffic officer during a widely publicized incident caught on video.
The conductor, identified as Evan Cain, was seen in a video pushing traffic officer Kenrick Deshield off a bus while bystanders cheered. The altercation occurred when the officer stopped the overcrowded bus, heading from Benny’s to SMART, for safety violations.
Prosecutors said Cain, along with another individual, forcefully removed the officer after being told to disembark. Cain appeared in court the same day, pleading guilty to aggravated assault of a public officer. He is now in custody awaiting sentencing, scheduled for December 4, 2024.
The magistrate presiding over the case criticized Cain for showing no remorse and instructed him to issue an apology to the officer before sentencing. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the bus operator for potential violations of transport regulations.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport condemned the assault and said it would take “necessary steps” to enforce penalties against the bus company, should violations of its road service permit be confirmed.
