And police actions could find the state liable for another award in a claim that has recently been filed - also by Mendez. It arises from the shooting of mentally ill man Emil Rivers in January of 2025. He is taking the Government of Belize to court, alleging he was shot by the cops while suffering a mental health crisis. The lawsuit, filed just this week, claims the treatment of Emil Omar Rivers was 'cruel and inhumane' and a direct violation of his constitutional rights."
According to court documents, Rivers - who suffers from paranoia and psychosis - was detained by officers at the Independence Village Police Station without legal justification. While in custody, he was allegedly forced to strip to his boxers and sleep on a cold floor without medical attention. The situation escalated the following morning when Rivers, experiencing an acute psychotic episode, ran from officers. PC Sheldon Arzu shot Rivers twice - once in the abdomen and once in the back - despite Rivers presenting no 'real and imminent threat'. Even while recovering at the Western Regional Hospital, the claim alleges he was subjected to 'gratuitous cruelty,' including being kept in tight handcuffs." Through his mother, Marlene Rivas, Rivers is seeking damages for assault and battery, as well as declarations that his rights to human dignity and equality before the law were breached. We will continue to follow this case as it heads to the High Court. The respondents are the Attorney General of Belize, PC Sheldon Arzu, and the Commissioner of Police.
