GUINEA GRASS, Orange Walk District, Tues. Oct. 6, 2015–A Guinea Grass resident, Antonio Zepeda, 24, told police that he was chopped in the head by a fellow villager, Adan Meza, 38, because he was broke and could not buy rum for him in a bar in Guinea Grass on Saturday night.

      Zepeda was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was admitted to ward in a serious but stable condition. Meza was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and grievous harm.

        Adan Meza was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 16.

        Zepeda told police that he was alone in the bar having a few drinks when Meza walked in and demanded that he buy drinks for him. He said that when he indicated to Meza that he did not have enough money, Meza took out a machete from his pants and chopped him in the head and forehead.

        Meza then walked out of the bar.

        Police were called and began to look for Meza, who they later found in his house.

        Inspector Nicholas Palomo, Deputy Commander of Orange Walk Police, said that Meza was arrested without incident.

        Meza, also known as “Alejandro,” is well-known to police. He escaped from the Belize Central Prison in January 2011 while he was serving a five-year sentence after being convicted of robbery in October, 2008. He was recaptured about a day after he made his bid for freedom.

     According to 7News Belize, Meza escaped from custody while he was working in the farm area of the prison about 9:30 that morning.  About ten minutes later, prison officers realized he was missing.

       Immediately, the prison authorities and the police set up checkpoints in Burrell Boom and Hattieville, and Meza was recaptured around 10:00 the following morning near the Boom Bridge. He served his time and was released.