Punta Gorda police constable Dwayne Sutherland has been arrested and charged for kidnapping his girlfriend. It's a shocking case of domestic violence perpetrated by an officer of the law.
And it's not his first offense.
We got more details from Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero earlier today.
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy Head, NCIB
"Alicia Valerio, 20 years old, a Belizean of Punta Gorda Town, reported that on Monday the 4th day of August 2020, she was forcibly taken to a room of one Dwayne Sutherland, who is a police officer, where Dwayne Sutherland handcuffed her to the bed, and thereafter assaulted her. She managed to free herself at some point, and reported the matter, and was assisted by neighbors. As a result of this investigation, PC Dwayne Sutherland has been arrested and charged for the crime of kidnapping. Alicia Valerio reported that she had also been assaulted by this police officer on two different occasions in the past."
Reporter
"This guy, based on what you're saying that several reports had been made by this young lady to police about him assaulting her, but it took until the 3rd time for police to really act?"
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"Again, the reports had been made. They were investigated, and that is what led to this arrest."
Reporter
"Any idea as to what the victim may have been doing at the home? Are they related? Are they [in a relationship]?"
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"Yes, they are in a relationship."
Reporter
"So, it's a domestic violence case."
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"That is correct."
