Prison officials and the police continue to investigate possible motives for the well-organized double attack on the Belize Central Prison facility on Tuesday, November 23, and Wednesday morning, November 24.
CEO of the prison facility, Earl Jones, told us that about 10:45 p.m., on Tuesday the prison tower guards saw a SUV vehicle driving up to the outer perimeter of the highway in front of the prison facility. The vehicle came to a complete stop and five men exited the vehicle.
“The tower guard fired a warning shot,” said Jones.
According to a source, the five men were dressed in camouflage clothing and just stood facing the prison facility. Jones told us that this was when suddenly, an occupant of the car started firing.
Our source tells us that about 8-10 shots were fired in this first attack.
The tower guards returned fire, and fortunately, no one was injured.
The gunmen, in the same vehicle, returned four hours later at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24. Our source says that about eight men exited the SUV in camouflage gear; it is uncertain whether their faces were concealed or if their races could be determined. About 12 shots were fired at the prison this time.
Jones says, however, that there was no gunfire during the second encounter with the men, who quickly returned to the SUV and sped toward the Burrell Boom area.
“At no point was the prison facility ever breeched, and our quick response team acted immediately,” said Jones.
Hattieville and Ladyville police officers responded quickly to the attack, but no arrests have been made so far. Police have since recovered expended shells, the make and amount unknown.
According to Jones, at no point did the assailants say anything to the tower guards.
Police continue to investigate the incident.