7 News Belize

Soldier Charged for Aggravated Assault
posted (October 31, 2008)

Just after one this morning Cayo Police responded to reports of gunshots being fired in a neighbourhood in San Ignacio. When the cops arrived at the location they observed a young man later identified as twenty two year old Bedalfo Chen. Chen who was relieved of the weapon described as a nine milimeter pistol. According to police, Bedalfo Chen was not trying to shoot anyone but was firing the weapon wildly so he was accordingly charged and will spend the next four years behind bars.

But as police delved further into the case their investigation also led them to another incident that had transpired earlier that morning that now led police to charge the owner of the weapon. That person has been identified as thirty three year old Belarmino Quiroz, a Belize Defence Force soldier. Police say when they questioned Quiroz he told the cops that earlier this morning just after twelve he was accosted by three men who wore dark clothing. Quiroz went on to explain that the men placed a gun to his side and then stole his firearm.

A crocus bag was placed over his head and both his hands and feet were bound. Quiroz told police he was then taken to an undisclosed location and hit hard in the stomach that left him unconscious. It was not until sometime later he regained consciousness and managed to get away. But Belarmino Quiroz never reported the kidnapping to police in which his own gun was stolen. Police became suspicious and started to investigate Quiroz’s report.

Authorities discovered that Belarmino Quiroz had not only fabricated the report that he had been kidnapped but police found out that Belarmino Quiroz had used his own weapon to assault a female bartender. It is not certain if during this incident that the gun was stolen. But the report is that Belarmino Quiroz was drunk and at a bar when he got into an argument with the woman. Quiroz then reportedly used his gun to assault the young lady.

Today the police arrested Belarmino Quiroz. He has been charged for aggravated assault and mischievous act.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize