By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize Police Department has issued a clarification disputing media reports that a social media influencer publicly associated with newly appointed Minister of National Security Michel Chebat was released without charges following a shooting incident on the Philip Goldson Highway early Saturday morning.
In a statement issued Sunday morning, police said that, contrary to reports circulating in the media, particularly those published by Channel 7 News Belize, the individual at the centre of the investigation remains in police custody.
“The individual in question remains in police custody and is presently being processed as investigators prepare to lay the appropriate charges,” the department stated.
The clarification follows reports concerning the detention of 27-year-old social media influencer Benjamin Eduardo Garcia and 36-year-old Mexican businessman Sergio Martinez Ramirez, who were intercepted near the Pallotti roundabout after police heard several gunshots in the vicinity of Social Lounge at approximately 1:45 a.m. on October 10.
According to the initial police report, officers pursued a grey Ford F-250 pickup truck after hearing the gunfire. During a subsequent search, Garcia reportedly disclosed that he had a licensed 9mm firearm in the glove compartment. Police recovered the weapon with one round in the chamber and 11 rounds in the magazine.
The initial report indicated that both men would be jointly charged with discharging a firearm in public. Subsequent media reports, however, suggested that no charges had been laid and that Garcia had been released.
In its clarification, the department urged media houses to ensure their reporting reflects the current status of the investigation and that accurate, verified information is disseminated to the public.
Police also reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and professionalism, adding that further updates would be provided as appropriate.
The department did not identify the individual by name in its clarification, specify which charges investigators intend to pursue, or explain the circumstances that led to the earlier reports of a release.
The incident has drawn attention because of Garcia’s publicly documented association with Chebat, who assumed responsibility for the police department less than a week ago, and comes amid growing concern over a recent spate of deadly shootings in Belize City.
As of Sunday morning, police have not announced any formally laid charges in connection with the incident.
The police clarification follows the department’s initial report, which expressly stated that both men would be charged with discharging a firearm in public.
While police now maintain that the individual remains detained and charges are being prepared, they have not explained the discrepancy between that account and the earlier reports of his release. No allegation of interference by Minister Chebat has been substantiated.
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