By Breaking Belize News Staff: Social media influencer Benjamin Eduardo Garcia, 27, and Mexican businessman Sergio Martinez Ramirez, 36, have now been formally arrested and charged with discharging a firearm in public following an incident on the Philip Goldson Highway early Saturday morning.
The Belize Police Department confirmed the development in an update issued at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, putting to rest earlier uncertainty surrounding the status of the two men.
The charges follow earlier media reports that Garcia, who has been publicly associated with newly appointed Minister of National Security Michel Chebat, had been released without charges after police detained both men in connection with gunshots heard near Social Lounge at approximately 1:45 a.m. on October 10. The Belize Police Department subsequently disputed those reports.
According to the initial police report, officers conducting business checks heard several gunshots and observed a grey Ford F-250 pickup truck leaving the area. A pursuit ended near the Pallotti roundabout, where police intercepted the vehicle and detained both occupants.
During a search, Garcia informed officers 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.
Earlier Sunday, police issued a clarification disputing media reports that Garcia had been released, maintaining that the individual concerned remained in custody while investigators prepared charges.
The department has now confirmed that both Garcia and Ramirez have been formally charged with discharging a firearm in public.
The incident has attracted public attention because of Garcia’s previously documented association with Chebat, who assumed responsibility for the Belize Police Department less than a week ago. There is no verified evidence that Minister Chebat intervened in the investigation or influenced the handling of the case.
The two men are now facing criminal proceedings in connection with the incident. The charges remain allegations, and neither man has been convicted.
The police statement does not indicate whether either man has appeared before a magistrate or whether bail has been considered.
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