There were two brazen armed robberies of well-known businesses in the city today.
We start with the one that happened at Dit's Restaurant on King's Street this afternoon. It's one of the oldest restaurants in the city but that didn't stop Aspinal Welch from running in and trying to rob one of the patrons.
At about a quarter to three, that patron was sitting in a group of four other men - when the shooter charged in and tried to hold him up.
But he didn't give up so easily, even when the robber fired two shots at him. The patron - whose name we are not releasing to protect his safety - pulled out his own licensed 9 millimeter pistol firearm and shot Aspinal Welch in both legs.
All this happened while the other patrons dived to the floor to escape flying bullets.
This evening, Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez briefed the media about the information the police have so far:
Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"At 3pm this afternoon police were called to Dits Restaurant at #50 King Street here in Belize City where they saw one Aspinal Welch, 22 years old of #64 King Street in Belize City suffering from what appears to be gunshot wounds to both legs. Initial investigations reveal that Welch entered Dits Restaurant earlier in the afternoon of the 21st November, 2012 brandishing a firearm. He allegedly approached a customer, subsequently a struggle ensued between both of them - several shots were fired from the pistol that Welch was carrying. Welch reportedly fell to the ground fired off several more shots and the customer then responded by pulling out his license 9mm firearm and firing one single shot which caused the injuries to both of Welch's legs."
"The motive was robbery. As a matter of fact police has since recovered a .38 revolver from Welch and they also detained one other person in connection with this attempted robbery and also 5 expended .38 shells were found within that .38 revolver."
Daniel Ortiz
"The assailant who was shot by the customer?"
Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"He is presently at police guard at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the other accomplice has been detained by police."
Reporter
"As far as the police is concern the guy - the would be victim who shot welch in the leg - what will happen to him?"
Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"If the police investigation continued the way it is I think that that person acted in self-defence and it's a bit premature to say at this point but base on what we've gotten so far and where the investigation is leading - its seems that would be the logical conclusion."
As noted in the interview, police have another man detained for questioning because they believe that he was Aspinal's accomplice in this attack.
Email
Print