It hasn't been reported by police but since February a gang of Hispanic men, organized or not, have been terrorizing the sidewalks in Belmopan. Women, children, and even some men fell victim to what are described as young Hispanic men who appear out of nowhere with a gun, robbing victims of everything from cash to jewelry to bicycles. Well this week police finally made some arrests.
On March 14th 67 year old Theodora Escalante told police she was walking in Belmopan when a young man appeared out of nowhere and robbed her of her two gold chains. Investigations led police to 24-year-old Denmark Cruz who had one of the stolen chains. He has since been charged for handling stolen goods and faces a charge of robbery.
And what happened to Theodora Escalante on March 14th is pretty much what happened to 19-year-old Sharina Oh and her 15-year-old sister Diana on February 26th. The sisters told police they were walking on a cross walk in Belmopan when they were robbed of a cell phone and a bike. Police have since charged 24-year-old Yopendara Cruz and 19-year-old Justin Stewart for robbery and handling stolen goods.
A fourth man has also been charged. He is 20-year-old Vernon Martin and he has been charged for robbing Dean Botes on February 17th. Police ask anyone who has been similarly robbed in the Belmopan area to file a police report.
