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One month ago Belize City police told the media that because of conflicting reports they had to release their two prime suspects Kareem Barona and Kareem Gladden. The pair were accused of a daring hold-up on Belize City Swing Bridge that ended when both alleged assailants were shot by their victim former police officer now security guard Javier Castellanos. Further investigations have since revealed that both Barona and gladden did try to rob Castellanos.

And while Edmund Gladden was later arrested and has been on remand since December fifth for the attempted robbery it was not until today that his accomplice Kareem Barona was finally arraigned in Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Kareem Barona had been in hiding since police started looking for him two weeks ago but on Christmas Day that search finally came to an end when he was found during a routine check on Victoria Street. Although Kareem Barona pled not guilty to the charge of attempted robbery he was nevertheless remanded to Hattieville Prison. According to court reports, bail was not granted due to the nature of the offence allegedly committed with a firearm.

It all unfolded on November twenty eight around four forty five that evening. Javier Castellanos was at the foot of the Swing Bridge on the city’s southside when he saw twenty six year old Kareem Barona and thirty four year old Edmund Gladden. Barona and Gladden who were on a bicycle approached Castellanos and tried to grab his licensed nine milimeter pistol and cell phone. Castellanos told the cops that one of the men was armed and he feared for his life that is why he fired at the men. The bullets struck Barona and Gladden in their feet.

And so tonight Barona and Gladden are behind bars on remand at the Hattieville Prison and that is where they will be until February ninth when both are scheduled to reappear in Belize City Magistrate’s Court.