Belize City Teen Charged With Unlicensed Firearm Offence

Police have arrested and charged 18-year-old Malachi Vernon of Gill Street, Belize City, in connection with an unlicensed firearm offence.  Vernon was taken into custody following a police operation in the city, during which officers reportedly recovered a firearm. He has since been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Police have formally arrested and charged 18 year old Malachi Vernon of Gill Street Belize City for the offense of kept firearm without a gun license and kept ammunition without a gun license. The arrest follows the execution of a preventive patrol by officers attached to the Violence Prevention and Enforcement Team at around 9:30am on Gill Street Belize City on Friday 3rd July. The arresting officer reported that whilst on operation he observed Mr.Vernon whose conducted arose his suspicion and when Mr.Vernon was intercepted and a search was conducted on his person this led to the discovery of a black 9mm pistol with a magazine containing ten live rounds of 9mm ammunition.”

The firearm was processed and sent for ballistic testing as police continue their efforts to remove illegal weapons from Belize City streets./