Police Probe Firearm Offenses After Accidental Shooting

Yesterday evening, twenty-three-year-old Christopher Zetina reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen after a firearm discharged while he was handling it at his residence. Initial reports indicate that Zetina was cleaning the weapon when the incident occurred. He was transported for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Police say their investigation revealed that the firearm involved in the incident was not licensed. As a result, investigators are examining potential firearm-related offenses in addition to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “The investigators reported that they visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital having learned that an injured person was at that location and from speaking to Mr. Zetina they learned that he was at his residence and he had a firearm in his possession and it accidentally discharged injuring him. Police officers are following up on that statement to see if it can be corroborated and also to locate the firearm that was used as Ms. Zatina is not the holder of a license. I know when it comes to prosecution in relation to possession of the unlicensed firearm, a very important component is for the firearm in question to be tendered into evidence. That is not the position as yet but we acknowledge that there was an admission on his part that he was at some point in time in position of a firearm. So we are exploring to see how best to address that situation.”

Authorities have emphasized that, although the shooting appears to have been self-inflicted and accidental, the possession of an unlicensed firearm remains a serious matter under Belizean law. The investigation remains ongoing.