There was high drama this morning at 10:30 near Belmopan - when police got into a shootout with two men they were pursuing. Two of the men ended up with non-fatal gunshot injuries: one with a graze to the head, the other with a graze to the leg.
But when the cops caught the duo, it became clear why they were being pursued.
Police recovered a pistol and numerous rounds of ammunition as well as a BDF uniform and a security guard outfit inside the vehicle which suggest that they could have been going on a major crime move.
Police gave us details today but did not want to comment on the uniforms:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Police have detained two male persons for firearm-related offenses following a joint operation which consisted of surveillance and tactical response teams. This operation climaxed at around 10:30 am on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, in Belmopan City when the persons of interest were apprehended. Seized was a 9mm Beretta pistol which contained a magazine with 6 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. An additional 8 live rounds of 9mm ammunition were found in the vehicle, along with 28 7.62 rounds of ammunition and 16.22 live rounds of ammunition. Additionally, given that the responding officers would have discharged their weapons, the department's internal review mechanism is underway."
Jules Vasquez:
"What led police to start pursuing this vehicle? What lead did they have, or what suspicion arose?"
ASP Stacy Smith
"I undertake to provide more details when it is warranted and not prejudicial to the ongoing investigation, but the information that I've shared is the extent to which the department wishes to share at this moment. Given that it's an ongoing investigation, I began by saying it was a surveillance and a tactical team."
Jules Vasquez:
"Are you able to speak in any depth at all to the uniforms in the vehicle?"
ASP Stacy Smith
"As I stated, Mr. Vasquez, the extent of the information that I've provided is the extent that I will provide at this juncture. I do undertake to give more information, but the investigation is ongoing and I do not wish to prejudice it."