Off-Duty Police Corporal Knocked Unconscious Outside Benque Nightclub

A police officer was knocked unconscious during an altercation outside a nightclub in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District, early Sunday morning, but police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.  The incident reportedly occurred around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday in front of Los Okis Club. The officer has been identified as Corporal Wilbert Cob, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in Belize City and resides in Benque Viejo.  According to information circulating, Corporal Cob was off duty at the time and was at the establishment as a patron. Video footage of the incident, which has since been widely shared on social media, appears to show the officer engaged in a physical confrontation with a woman. In the footage, the officer is seen restraining the woman in what witnesses describe as a chokehold, while several bystanders attempt to intervene and pull him away.  The situation escalated when the officer reportedly resisted the efforts of those intervening. Moments later, a man delivered a punch that knocked the officer unconscious. The individual who struck the officer has since claimed that he acted in self-defence and in defence of the woman.  Speaking on the matter is CEO Elton Bennett who says he brings across a zero tolerance for domestic abuse.

At this time, there is no confirmation on whether Corporal Cob intends to press charges, nor is there any official word on whether charges may be brought against him in relation to the incident. Police have also not confirmed whether the matter is under internal review.  Authorities have not yet released a formal statement outlining their position or next steps.