Last week, 7News told you about the manhunt for 17 year-old Ernesto Bernardez, who police say assaulted one police officer, stole his gun, and used it to shoot and injure PC John Valerio in a separate incident. The Police Press Office even printed the minor's photo on wanted posters which were placed all over Caye Caulker where the incidents allegedly occurred.
Well, the manhunt which started earlier this month, has ended - but not with the police finding him. Instead, Bernardez handed himself into Ladyville police yesterday, and he was taken to family court today, given that he is still a minor.
He was slapped with two counts of attempted murder upon PC John Valerio Sr., and Police Officer, Ian Wagner, two counts of use of deadly means of harm upon Valerio Sr., and Wagner as well as one count of wounding upon Officer Wagner. He was also charged for stealing guns from these police officers.
Berardez was read the charges in the presence of his mother. No plea taken, and he was remanded to the Wagner's Facility which is located at the Belize Central Prison compound.
Bernardez is due back in Court on June 6.
As we reported, on April 2, sometime after 5:00 p.m., PC John Valerio, a police officer posted at the Caye Caulker Police Station was shot, but he was only grazed on the side of his head. He was treated at a hospital and discharged the following day.
PC Valerio reportedly was on duty on the island when he spotted Bernardez in the area of the island's Municipal airport as he was about to catch a flight to leave the island.
PC Valerio said he knew that Bernardez was wanted in connection with the robbery of another police officer's gun.
He approached the teenager and that's when they got into a struggle; Bernardez allegedly managed to get hold of PC Valerio's gun and he shot him then fled.
Prior to this incident with PC Valerio, Bernardez was alleged to have been involved with the theft of another police officers gun, a 9 mm pistol - two nights earlier.
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