Police Say Richard Cal Fired First in Pomona Farm Shooting
Police are now giving their side of the story in the shooting incident involving cattle farmer and former B.D.F. soldier Richard Cal. The August sixth confrontation happened on Cal’s farm in Pomona Village, where plain-clothes officers were reportedly conducting surveillance. According to Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, Cal opened fire first. But Cal has maintained that he only fired back after being shot by men who identified themselves as police after the fact. The incident left Cal injured and his dog dead. Now, he is also facing three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Cal was arraigned in the Dangriga Magistrates Court on Friday and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Here is ASP Stacy Smith with the police version of events.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“They were conducting surveillance along a farm road in Pomona Village when they encountered Mr. Cal. During the course of the interaction, it is alleged that Mr. Cal produced a firearm, his licensed firearm, and fired upon the officers who in turn returned fire, resulting in Mr. Cal receiving a gunshot wound to the leg. Mr. Cal was transported for medical attention and the scene was processed by crime scenes technician, who were able to retrieve several items of evidential value.”
Shane Williams
“Him believing they were a threat that doesn’t factor into him deciding that he needs to protect himself and his farm?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“I will not get into too much of the specifics, Mr. Williams, but what I will say is that Mr. Cal was asked a series of questions which would have enabled him to give a response to put forward his version of events. To my knowledge, the notes of interviewed that was conducted with him, he was not as forthcoming. But the matter continues to be reviewed and the media will be advised accordingly.”
Shane Williams
“ So it is the police’s version that he fired first?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“As I stated, the officers reported that during the course of the interaction, Mr. Cal fired upon them and they returned fire. Certainly whenever officers are not in uniform or even when they are in uniform, there is a need for them to identify themself and that is the expectation upon the department. And as I stated, I won’t get too into too much specifics as it relates to this matter.”
Shane Williams
“So now this is a matter that you all have to rely on the words of the police officers versus the word of Mr. Cal.”
ASP Stacy Smith
“I also indicated that the scene was processed by scenes of crime technician. Mr. Cal received certain injury. A review of the injury of his body would indicate how exactly he was injured. I suggest but that is a matter for the medical experts to determine. So it is not solely a matter of taking what is said by the police officers, but reviewing the surrounding evidence that is available, the physical evidence as well as the examination.”
Police are also reviewing whether the use of force was justified. Meanwhile, Cal’s wife says his family fears for his safety behind bars because his injury limits his mobility and leaves him vulnerable.
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