Police have detained 2 Corozal residents for an armed gas station robbery that occurred in Chula Vista. They managed to locate the assailants by using a drone in the area, minutes after the robbery was reported. ASP Stacy Smith says the robbers allegedly used a firearm that was stolen in another incident.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Police have formally arrested and jointly charged 20 year old Jair Rancharan and 37 year old Armando Villanueva both of Corozal town for the crime of robbery. The arrest of Rancharan and Villanueva follows police's investigation into the robbery of Western Gas station located in the Chula Vista area of Corozal town. The investigation commenced at approximately 2:27 Pm when it was reported that 2 male persons, one of whom was armed with a firearm went to that establishment and with the use of a threat demanded that the attendant hand over the proceeds of the day sale. Being in fear, the attendant complied and the male persons made good their escape. This matter was reported to police and police's response including dispatching an investigative team at the scene of the incident with a view of reviewing the available footage and it also included mobilizing a joint operational team which was done with a view of cordoning the area and creating a dragnet. Based on the investigation and the use of drone the police officers were able, one hour after the incident to apprehend these 2 male persons, Villanueva and Rancharan and in Mr Rancharan's possession police found one.38 revolver which also contained 6 live rounds of.38 caliber ammunition whilst Mr Villanueva was found in possession of items believed to be the proceeds of the robbery. It must be noted also that the firearm that was recovered is believed to be that which was stolen from a security guard in a robbery on which occurred in December of 2025 we have since submitted the firearm to the national forensic and science services laboratory to be able to confirm that. Given the discovery that was made on Rancharan, Rancharan was additionally charged for kept firearm without a gun license, kept ammunition without a gun license and possession of a firearm with the serial number removed."
