But the gun violence in the city started early last night. During the news we got word that there had been a shooting right around the corner from out studio. The target was Nicholi Rhys - one of the lead figures in the Gorge Street Gang. He was walking alone on East Canal when a bullett grazed his head-top - and injured an 11 year old child in a yard. Police told us more:
ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City
"Mr. Nicholi Rhys was walking on the corner of Prince Street and East Canal when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots in his direction. He received a graze to the top of the head, he was admitted to the hospital, he was treated and released on the same night. Police at the scene founded several expended shells and also found a .9 glock pistol in the area with an empty magazine. Also whilst police was dealing with the scene they encountered a minor who has also received a graze to his leg. However he was treated and he is presently at his home at this moment."
Jules Vasquez
"Mr. Rhys, was he the target?"
ASP Alejandro Cowo
"He was the only person on the street at the moment so we believe it was him."
Jules Vasquez
"Is this a retaliation? And how do you all hope to suppress further retaliation from the George Street gang?"
ASP Alejandro Cowo
"Yes we suspect it is a retaliation from the previous shootings that have been happening within the same vicinity. Yes there is mobile patrols in almost all of those areas there. George Street has a foot patrol and a mobile patrol within that same area there and also there are other mobiles within Wagner's Lane, Taylor's Alley and Conchshell Bay that are covering that entire area so that we could at least stop what is happening at this moment. "
Jules Vasquez
"We see hostility escalating between George Street and Taylor's Alley and they are so close to each other and a number of lives have been list in this way. Is there some other strategy that can be taken? Is mediation being looked at, is there something else that can be done because apparently the usual patrols won't be able to stop it."
ASP Alejandro Cowo
"I know for a fact yes there has been mediation amongst the group however there is only so much the police can talk to them."
So, both victims have been treated and released.
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