Belize City Man Shot During Arrest Plans to Sue Police

A 29-year-old Belize City man, shot over the weekend, is planning to sue the Belize Police Department after he was finally able to post bail for charges of aggravated assault and escape from lawful custody. Jayaer Flores was taken into custody after a Thursday incident in which police say he assaulted an officer and fled. According to a police report, on Thursday, August 21, police constable Erwin Hernandez was on patrol when he saw a man, later identified as Flores, emerge from a building. Hernandez alleges that as he attempted to search Flores for illegal firearms, Flores grabbed his waist, slapped the officer’s hand away, and ran. A single gunshot was heard during the chase, and Flores was found lying on the ground in a nearby yard. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment.  Flores tells a different story. He says he was stopped and searched by police, who found only his phone and “fonto,” a type of tobacco. Flores claims he was walking away freely when he was shot in the back with a shotgun. Flores was charged with aggravated assault upon a police officer and escape from lawful custody. He pleaded not guilty to both charges during his arraignment on Monday.  He was granted bail in the sum of $2,500 but was unable to meet it. Due to visible injuries, he was denied entry at the Belize Central Prison because he lacked a medical form. Flores spent two nights in a police holding cell before being able to post bail today. After his release, Flores, accompanied by his father, Errol Swift, said he plans to file a formal complaint against the officer he says shot him without cause. His father says they will return to the hospital for further treatment before going to the police department to make the official report.  Flores’ case has been adjourned until October 10.