Belize City police in the Lake I area went into high alert on Friday night after a high profile figure's vehicle was shot up behind BWSL's main office.
Jose Matus is affiliated with Corozal, but when a gunman saw him in the Lake I area on Friday on gang turf, he opened fire.
Police told us more:
ACP Hilberto Romero, OCED
"On Friday, October 13th, 2023 around 5:50 p.m., Jose Matus reported that he was in the area of Morning Glory Street dropping off a female when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots towards his vehicle. He fled from the scene and stopped down Mahogany Street. He checked his vehicle and saw several bullet holes on his vehicle and no one was injured and we have no suspect at this time."
Jules Vasquez
"There are reports that this is gang-related. We know Mr. Matus is a very well-known figure. We know that he's associated with certain illicit movements in the north of the country. From what you all know so far, was it gang-related?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OCED
"I cannot confirm whether it's gang-related, I know he has several incidents that he reported in the past where he has been threatened and that is all that we have at this time."
Jules Vasquez
"Were the police surprised to hear Mr. Matus who operates out of the Corozal area, to hear him operating out of this area?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OCED
"He reported that the came to the area to do some transaction, that is all we have."
Jules Vasquez
"Are the police expecting any retaliation between PIV and BLC, since Mr. Matus is seen to be an ally of BLC?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OCED
"Yes, we are in the area trying to prevent any sort of retaliation and again, we continue to conduct our searches and our operations to prevent any escalation of any retaliation."
