While the press had the opportunity, the Rural commanders were asked about the main suspect in the shooting of 52 year-old Jorge Lopez. You'll remember him as the good samaritan who stopped on a dirt road off the George Price Highway between miles 28 and 29.
He thought he was helping out, but little did he know that the men were stopping him to rob him of his vehicle. That's after they'd just held up 2 tourists staying at the Belize Zoo's sister facility, known as the Tropical Education Center.
These men shot him, and tried to kill him, but he fought them off, and chopped his attacker. The man believed to be the gunman he injured is 21 year-old Adolphus Palacio Jr., who is on remand at the Belize Central Prison on a slew of charges including armed robbery. Today, the Commander of Hattieville Police told us that he is expected to be charged for attempted murder for the attack on Jorge Lopez:
Insp. Rochelle Chan, OC - Hattieville Poice
"In relation to the arrest made in regards to Mr. Adolphus Palacio, we conducted another ID Parade in regards to the other incident. Remember there were two incidents the same day, and we expect to lay charges on Mr. Palacio. In relation to the next person or suspect we have not yet established an identity, and we're still investigating."
Reporter
"I would assume that means that Mr. Palacio is not cooperating with the Police at this point?"
Insp. Rochelle Chan
"That is right."
Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Those charges are to be laid against Adolphus for the attempted murder of Lopez."
As soon as he is arraigned, we'll tell you all about it.
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