SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Mon. May 14, 2018– Lamont Lipka, 49, an American businessman and owner of Tropicana Restaurant, died after he was shot multiple times by a gunman in his restaurant.

Information to us is that Lipka was standing behind the counter of his restaurant at about 9:30 last night, near the cash register, with his back turned towards the side door. An unknown gunman entered through the side door and fired multiple shots, five of which struck Lipka. The killer then ran out, behind the restaurant and onto Coconut Drive, and escaped.

Lipka was quickly taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic, but he was declared dead on arrival.

At the time of the shooting there were workers and patrons in the Tropicana Restaurant, and there was confusion as people tried to escape from the gunman. A neighbor said that he was in his house near the restaurant when he heard gunshots coming from the restaurant and came out to see what was wrong.

He then saw patrons and workers sprinting out of the restaurant, and afterwards, he saw the body of the businessman lying on the floor.

Police said that Lipka was originally from Texas, USA, and had been living and doing business in San Pedro for three years.

During the police brief held today, ASP Alejandro Cowo said that the motive for the murder is unknown, and that nothing was stolen from Lipka or from the restaurant.

Cowo went on to mention that there was no evidence that Lipka was involved in any illegal activities.

Police are seeking public assistance to solve this murder. Anyone who has information that could lead to the arrest of the killer, or has information that could help solve the case, is urged to contact the San Pedro Police Station at 206-2022.

Members of the public who have helpful information can also contact the nearest police station, or they can call 911 or 0800- 922-TIPS.