Police have also charged 2 individuals for 2 other shootings, one of them fatal. The first one was the 90 round non-fatal shooting which occurred on the Phillip Goldson Highway near Horizon, and the second at Old Belize. Here's what those charges are.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"In reference to the murder of Gaston Alfred Burrow, which occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, on Friday, 3rd October, police formally arrested and charged 30-year-old Joseph Gabriel Vaccaro, a taxi operator for the crime of murder."
"This arrest came as a consequence of police's investigation and we are of the view that more arrests will be made in relation to this incident. Similarly, as it relates to the shooting incident that occurred near Horizon on the Philip Goldson Highway, police have arrested and charged a 17-year-old minor for two counts of attempted murder in relation to that incident."
Police Stepping Up Patrols
And because of the level of gun violence that has plagued the streets of the city, the police have increased their patrols, checkpoints and police presence. At the top of the news you already heard about the BDF coming back onto the streets. Well, ASP Stacy Smith explained why.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"I know that certain changes will be observed over the course of this week and weeks to come. As it relates to police's operational efforts. They are all in line with the 2025 2029 strategic Plan to modernize, reform and focus the practices of the police department in its effort to give citizens what they do deserve, which is a feeling of safety and security. So certainly, you guys will be observing changes which are not solely limited to operational changes. But we've also been investing in technology because, truthfully, those are what have in the past some of the predictive parts I wish that we had made in terms of the shooting in, by horizon, as well as the shooting by Old Belize, which resulted in the death of Mr. Barrow is police's use of those technological, resources that we have. So, I say all this to say that the police department remains resolute in its decision and its mandate to fight crime, and to ensure that its citizens feel safe when the things that they are going about their daily lives."
