Shortly after, it was discovered that Arana was the victim of a hit and run accident which occurred on the Hummingbird Highway. Since the discovery of the body, police have also apprehended the suspect. ASP Stacy Smith told us more today via Zoom.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Police have detained a male person and impounded a pickup truck owned by the detained individual as a part of an ongoing investigation into a hit and run incident, which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Jamir Arana of Belize City. The investigation commenced at approximately 5.30 a.m. today, 22nd October, 2026, when police were advised of the presence of the body of a male person, which was unresponsive."

"The body was observed in the vicinity of the Hummingbird Highway. Also observed on the scene of the incident was the rear bumper of a vehicle, and a further search just a few miles away led to the discovery of the impounded vehicle and the subsequent apprehension of the male person of interest. Jamir Arana, who had been diagnosed with autism, was reported missing on 21st October at around 8 o'clock p.m. after he had eloped from the custody of his mother in Belize City."

"As it relates to this incident, which is most regrettable, I have to put on record that this may have been another incident of a vulnerable person, which there was a possibility for it to have been prevented."

"I know that we have had previous incidents in the past with persons who were diagnosed with autism or even minor children of them eloping and meeting some unfortunate circumstances, and it's only after the fact that we see persons on social media saying, "I saw this person here, I saw this person there.""

"As I said in reviewing the social media post, I noted that several persons commented seeing him and I am of the view that they are able to remember that they saw him because something about his behavior or demeanor made him notable. In circumstances of such, I wish to urge persons that the department remains available. It can only take 30 seconds of your time to just place the call, but that call may result in saving someone's life."