She's a 51 year-old grandmother, but police officers from the Gang Suppression Unit are accusing Irma Caceres of assaulting them. Well, in a trial at the Magistrate's Court, she accused them right back of assaulting her sons.
Police Constables Marvin McKoy and Andrews testified that in January of last year, they were attempting to search for drugs, firearms and ammunition at her house on Madam Liz Crescent in Belize City. They testified that when they entered her property, residents blocked them from entering because a party was underway.
The police still jumped over the gate, removed the chain and lock, and entered anyway.
From there, things escalated and one of the party-goers allegedly elbowed one of the police officers. Constable McKoy testified that he rushed to help, and that's when he was jumped from behind. He said that someone grabbed him by his shirt collar, and when he turned around, he saw that it was none other than Irma Caceres. They then arrested her and charged her with assaulting a police officer and obstruction.
In her defense, Caceres said that when the GSU officers arrived at her home, they were overly aggressive and disrespectful. She said that during that very same search, the officers struck 3 of her sons over the head with the butt of their weapons, knocking them unconscious. She said that she got involved when she saw that one of the officers grabbed a chair and was about to hit her son with it. She also told the court that at no time did she assault the officer,.
Magistrate Aretha Ford has adjourned the trial for next week Monday, when Caceres is expected to call two of her sons injured during the raid.
Email
Print