Belmopan Police Probe Assault on Child by Man Previously Declared Mentally Ill

Police in Belmopan are investigating a troubling incident that occurred yesterday in the Market Square area, where a child was assaulted by a man known to residents for aggressive behaviour within the city.  A video circulating on social media shows the man, lingering near the entrance of a grocery store before suddenly delivering an uppercut to the child as the minor exited the establishment. Bystanders quickly intervened and attended to child who fell to the ground inside the store. Love News understands the assailant is a native of Belmopan and was officially declared mentally ill in 2021 and deemed unfit to face court charges. Information to Love News is that the same individual had also assaulted a police officer in Belmopan a few months ago.  Residents say he has been seen roaming the capital for years and has displayed erratic behaviour on multiple occasions, raising concerns about public safety.  Our Belmopan correspondent explored the facts of the incident and filed the following report.

Reporter: So they were buying their groceries, buying their snacks, getting ready to hop on the bus to head home. When the mom left the store, the child was behind her, and the person in the store punched the kid in his mouth, knocking him out for a few minutes. Now, according to what I’ve heard from the owner of the store, This isn’t the first time that the mentally unstable person entered the store. He’s actually in there every day and every day they try to chase him out because some days he is aggressive, talking to persons in the area as well. While they don’t know him by his name, they can confirm that he is in fact an aggressive individual who is known for hitting residents in this area. He would frequently walk up to people, slap them in the back of their heads and yesterday he just knocked out a child. According to the shop owner and the worker, they have contacted the police. They have also forwarded the information, all information that they have to the police as well. And I would say for the last few months, a lot of homeless people and mentally unstable persons can be seen walking around the market square plaza all hours of the day. Some are very aggressive, some aren’t as aggressive, but it is an issue in the capital city of Belmopan. One that residents have been talking about for quite some time and nothing seems to be getting done. Yesterday, former city councilor Ms. Nicky Augustin, she took to Facebook talking about the mental health problems that Belmopan is currently facing stating that the city council and the area rep must address the growing number of mentally challenged individuals who need help. This is a problem especially around the terminal era, a lot of homeless people, a lot of mentally challenged people as well. There’s also that era behind the Dakers where they sell food. A lot of times they can be found there as well. Independence Park, they can be found there as well. So it is a growing situation in Belmopan. From what I have been able to confirm that the child who was knocked out is okay. He was bleeding from his mouth and his nose a little bit but he and his mom are okay. They’re a little bit shaken up but they managed to go home yesterday with those minor injuries.”

Love News further understands police are now working with the Belmopan City Council to find an urgent remedy to the situation, as the increasing number of homeless and mentally ill persons in public spaces continues to raise concerns for citizen security. Authorities say interventions are being explored to prevent further incidents while ensuring appropriate care for those affected.