And while security forces make plans for that event tomorrow, the city remains calm. Since last week Tuesday when the bodies were discovered there have been no gang related shootings.
But police did shoot three men this weekend - after they were caught red handed during an armed robbery. It happened on Saturday just before 9:00 when six men entered Jian Vin Shop at the corner of Mahogany and Mopan Street. They held up the storeowner 61 year old JIAN GUANG LI, and his wife 33 year old CHUN YAN ZHU.
One of the men who was armed with a handgun clubbed both of them across the jaw and demanded money. The shop-owner gave them over two thousand dollars in cash, while they helped themselves to a DVD player, a computer and various tobacco products.
But not satisfied with that, the men went to the living quarters above the shop to get some more items. But, police were in the area and responded quickly. They ran upstairs which is when they say one of the men fired at them.
Police returned fire, injuring four of the men, including a minor - and arrested two others. After that, police recovered all the stolen items, and found the weapon believed to have been used in the robbery and to fire at the officers: a black Glock 9 millimeter pistol with 12 live rounds. Deputy Commissioner of police, Elodio Aragon - on his last day at as Eastern Division boss said that police used justifiable force and must be commended for their rapid and brave response:
Elodio Aragon Jr., Deputy Commissioner of Police
"Shots were fired at the officers and the officers returned fire. The police officers - their lives come first out there when it comes in line to protecting themselves and I think that we must commend the police officers. I could tell you that out of training I have received many times - it's not easy to engage people who are looking to shoot after you and it takes a lot of courage and bravery and moreover it takes fortitude for them to do what they do."
Three males were shot: a 17 year old minor, who was hit to the left and right thighs, 20 year old GREGORY KNOX, who was shot to the left and right foot, 19 year old JEAN PASQUAL, who was shot to his right thigh and 19 year old ALEXIS KU, who was also shot to his left thigh. 36 year old STEVEN SWASEY, and another 17 year old minor were also in the room, but they were not shot.
While the rest remain hospitalized, today, 19 year-old Alexis Ku, 36 year-old Steven Swasey, and a 17 year-old male minor were all arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer.
They were all charged jointly with robbery, keeping of an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Due to the nature of the offences, they couldn't be granted bail, and were remanded to prison until March 1, 2013.
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