And while the twin towns may have been divided on the killing of Thompson - there was almost universal outrage for a robbery that occurred in downtown San Ignacio. It targeted a pair of female tourists - but the reputation of San Ignacio also took a beating. Jaleeza Roberts has more:
Shortly after 11:00 on Friday night, California residents Hailee Hackett & Esmerald Estadrook were targeted as they walked on Burns Avenue in downtown San Ignacio. The victim's phone was recovered but not her purse with cash and her passport.
The incident has raised concerns about safety along the town's busy tourism corridor.
Police say suspects have been detained, one has escaped custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Police are seeking a male person who gave his particulars to be Israel Bradley of 16 Requena street, Santa Elena town. This male person is wanted for the crime of robbery and the offense of escaping from lawful custody. The robbery investigation commenced on Friday 19th December when 2 American nationals reported to police that they were walking on Burns Avenue when they were accosted by a male person who was armed with a knife who proceeded to demand from them their personal belongings and a struggle ensued after which he was able to rustle a purse which belonged to one of the females. The purse contained a cell phone and $200 in cash along with cards belonging to one of the females. Police responded and they were able with the assistance of the scenes of crime technician to trace the phone in an area where it was recovered. The information in relation to the identity of the suspect was disseminated and officers attached to the quick response team in Santa Elena whilst on their patrol they observed a male person who matched the description. This male person was searched and on his person they recovered 2 items of property belonging to the female and he was subsequently detained. Regrettably during the course of his detention was while the officers in charge of the cell block was facilitating the cleaning of the cell block, the male person was able to bolt and made his good escape. This individual is now being sought by police and we ask persons who are aware of his name because we do believe he gave a faulty name to the police to share that information and additional if he is seen, that information is relayed to the police with urgency or to 922 TIPS."
The incident has sparked renewed calls for increased security, particularly along the tourism corridor which is supposed to be safe.
Earl Trapp, Mayor of SISE
"Anywhere you go in the world you have to still do things with caution and what we need to do is we need to begin to secure our properties. At times because we feel so safe in this municipality we would just leave our cars open, we would leave our motorcycles on the roadside because we go to the store because that is our culture, it's a safe municipality but this is a Christmas season spike and we just have to be more vigilant as local leaders and of course the police department in trying to do everything to minimize the little crimes that might pop up."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"And what are some things that the town can do to make sure that these high trafficked areas are safer and more secure?"
Earl Trapp, Mayor of SISE
"Like I said, the tourism corridor was supposed to be upgraded in terms of lighting. I received a call from BEL personnel I think three weeks ago that they had some delays but they had sent me an email and they would have followed up to get it done but I'm not sure but for sure it has not been upgraded up to today and two whenever it's upgraded that will help and if we can step up more patrols especially in the tourism corridor that will help as well."
Trapp explained that sometimes visitors and locals take for granted the ability to walk anywhere in Belize with a sense of safety.
Earl Trapp, Mayor of SISE
"It could be us as well, if we walk the streets in any district, at times we believe that it is supposed to be safe and we take things for granted never knowing when the culprit will strike. So I believe that the tourists felt safe and it was a short hop from there to where I believe they were staying, it's a highly trafficked area and it's a highly residential area as well so I think that's one of the reasons why they felt it was safe. It's like We never know if we will be mugged when we are walking through Mexico streets, in the USA, I mean crime just happens you know like I said we cannot eradicate it, it just happens. We just have to be more careful."
Police investigations are continuing, and authorities are urging both residents and visitors to remain vigilant, particularly at night. Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
As of newstime - the suspect remained at large.
