Two Men Charged After Gunfire Near Social Lounge

Social media creator Benjamin Eduardo Garcia and businessman Sergio Martinez Ramirez are now free following their arrest on charges of discharging a firearm in public. The incident happened near Social Lounge on the Philip Goldson Highway in the early hours of Saturday morning.  Reports circulated over the weekend alleging political interference and claiming the men had been released because of connections to newly appointed Police Minister Michel Chebat. Our newsroom’s follow-up found that the claims were unverified and that both men remained in police custody. Police confirmed they were formally arrested and charged on Saturday and taken to court this morning.  Garcia pleaded guilty and was fined. He also reportedly had outstanding court fines to settle before he could be released.  Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero says officers from Precinct Four were checking businesses near Social Lounge around one-forty-five Saturday morning when they heard several gunshots. They saw a grey Ford F-250 pickup leaving the area and pursued it along the highway.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: “On Saturday around 1:30 am police responded to a report by Social Lounge in Belize City where information received was that gunshots were heard. The police responded and we saw a Ford 150 pick up fleeing from the area. The vehicle was pursued and it was intercepted by the Pallotti Roundabout. Thereafter two persons were seen inside the vehicle. They were identified as Sergio Martinez and Eduardo Garcia. Eduardo Garcia then was asked if he had a firearm. He mentioned yes he had a firearm and he handed over a licensed 9mm pistol. The firearm was retrieved. Both persons were taken to custody and they have since been arrested and charged for discharging firearm in public. An investigation is being carried out to determine that but for now they have been charged for discharging firearm in public.”

Reporter: Have they been released already ?

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: “No, they were taken to court this morning.”

Officers from GI3 and Precinct Three assisted in intercepting the pickup at the Pallotti Roundabout. Police identified the driver as thirty-six-year-old Sergio Martinez Ramirez, a Mexican businessman living in Hopkins, and the passenger as twenty-seven-year-old Garcia of Belama Phase One.  Attorney Dickie Bradley represented Garcia in court, filling in for attorney Alifa Elrington. Bradley spoke with reporters following the hearing.

Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney: “No because the police confirmed that the discharge of the firearm was up in the air. Nobody was in any danger, he was on the road side. He wasn’t aiming at anybody, he didn’t shoot in any house, he didn’t shoot in any vehicle, he didn’t shoot at anybody. It’s a very serious offense because bullet, like fire, can get out of control but he has a criminal record and the police will review the matter of his continued possession of the firearm. At the time I was at home with my family I can’t tell you whether alcohol was…..”

The Mexican businessman also spoke with our court reporter saying he will continue his business pursuits in Belize in the coconut sector.  He expressed appreciation for the withdrawal of charges against him.