Police Detain Teen After Armed Robbery in Lords Bank

Ladyville Police say they received a 911 call at around 1:05 p.m. yesterday reporting a robbery along Old Well Road in Lords Bank, Belize District.  When officers arrived, they spoke with 60-year-old Marlon Baptist, a contractor from Corozal. Baptist told investigators that shortly before 1:00 p.m., he saw three dark-complexioned men with shirts covering their faces beating a Hispanic man on the roadside. One of the attackers reportedly struck the victim in the head with what appeared to be a chrome-colored firearm.  The men then ran past Baptist and entered the unfinished building where he and his workers were on duty. According to the report, the armed assailant, described as wearing a full camouflage suit—pointed the gun at Baptist’s employees, demanding their belongings. The men reportedly handed over two cell phones: a grey Samsung valued at $395, and a blue Motorola with an unknown value.  Police say the other two assailants took Marlon Baptist’s sling bag, which contained a food container and a Total brand grinder valued at $226. As the suspects fled into the bushes, Baptist attempted to record them on his phone, but the armed man allegedly fired a shot in his direction. No injuries were reported.  Following an area canvas, officers detained 16-year-old Ahmaud Lino of Lords Bank. Police say he was found with a maroon knapsack containing items believed to be stolen in the robbery, including both workers’ cell phones, a Stanley chalk line, and Nike sweatpants. The scene was processed by Scenes of Crime personnel, and the recovered items were documented in the presence of the detainee and his mother.