A resident of Patchakan, Hector Ruiz, has been released on a bail of $1,000 and ordered to return to court on October 18 after he was taken to the Corozal Magistrate Court on Friday, August 16, on charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

The incident occurred in Patchakan Village, Corozal District, at about 4:30 p.m. the preceding Sunday.

Information to us is that Ruiz went to the home of the Corozal lands officer, who resides in Patchakan Village, for clarifications concerning their 50-acre family land in the village area.

However, a confrontation occurred between Ruiz and a man who was at the lands officer’s home, and the lands officer intervened.

Ruiz left the house, and as he was riding home, the village policeman and the same man with whom he had the confrontation approached and Ruiz was thrown off his bicycle.

Ruiz was then arrested and taken to the police station, where, he alleges, he was beaten.

The Ruiz family allege that the policeman was under the influence of alcohol and due to the severe beating Hector received at the hands of the policeman, they are seeking legal advice to take action against him.

Ruiz was taken to the Corozal Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released into police custody. He was given police bail and was released to go home.

Police said that no report of the alleged beating has been made by Ruiz. After the report is made, they say, an investigation will be carried out into the matter.