There hasn't been a murder in Belize City for over a month – and this morning, a 21 year old escaped death when he was the victim of what is believed to be a gang related shooting. 21 Year old Ian Adolphus Jr., was shot to the arm and the chest in broad daylight on Freedom Street in the Port Loyola Area. According to his facebook page, he identifies with one of a nest of gangs in that area. Today, police discussed the shooting:…

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson – OC, Police Precinct 2

"Sometime around nine thirty this morning, police responded to a shooting incident on Freedom street. What they learned was one Ian Adolphus, 21 years Belizean was walking on Freedom street - and upon reaching it's intersection with Justice street, a male person on a bicycle rode up in front of him and fired several shots. One caught him at the right elbow, one to the right shoulder and one to the left side of his chest. The male person then rode off and made his escape. At this time, the victim Adolphus is stable at the KHMH and police are looking for the suspect."

Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News

"Could you give us an idea - I know the investigation is just preliminary but in terms of a motive?"

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

"It's too early in the investigation to give a motive at this time."

Daniel Ortiz

"Our information suggest that he may have gang affiliation. Is that information the police has as well?"

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

"Like I said I haven't received that information yet as a motive - but the police are out there investigating, as soon as we become aware, we will inform you guys."

So, what does police attribute to the relative calm in the city right now? Well the commander of Police Precinct 2 told the media that over the past few weeks, the residents of the city have been cooperating with them in trying to curb the number of violent crimes:

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

"I would attribute majority of what is going on now, where the quietness is concerned to the cooperation from the public. We have seen a major increase in the relationship of the police and the public and we're getting a lot of assistance from the public - and that contributes to what is taking place in the city at this time."

Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News

"You have also said that there has been a crack down on people known to be affiliated with gangs?"

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

"As recent, we have stepped up our patrol numbers after we had the operation not in my city came to a halt. The police were distributed by the precincts and with that additional number we have covered more areas now and we're stepping up and caught up with gang activities in the city."

Police are investigating this Adolphus' shooting – but have made no arrest. He is in stable condition.