Paraiso Family Charged After Police Altercation Caught on Video

Seven residents of Paraiso Village, Corozal District, have been formally charged following a violent confrontation captured on camera showing officers striking villagers, including a woman, with batons during the altercation. The video went viral on social media. The individuals, all part of an extended family, face charges of obstructing police in relation to an incident that occurred on July 8.

Those charged with obstructing police are Hugo Poncio, 43; Javier Salazar, 23; Jose Luis Salazar Jr, 34; Cesar Salazar, 29; Jose Luis Salazar Sr, 63; Judith Salazar, 39; and Samuel Salazar, 31.

According to police, the incident began when officers attempted to stop a motorcyclist for riding without a taillight. The man reportedly refused to comply and instead rode to his nearby family home. When officers attempted to detain him there, the situation quickly escalated as relatives intervened.

“The police officers requested assistance from the Quick Response Team who arrived at the location approximately ten minutes later, at which time the group of individuals who were relatives of the persons who were detained were still preventing the police from leaving,” said the Police Commissioner, Dr Richard Rosado, on Wednesday.

Police allege the group attacked the officers using sticks, pint bottles, and a metal bar. “The situation quickly escalated where several individuals were injured, including four police officers.”

However, after reviewing the video, Commissioner of Police Rosado stated that the conduct of at least one officer was inconsistent with the standards expected of the force. He maintained that the department has a zero-tolerance policy toward police brutality.

Rosado confirmed that the police department launched both a criminal and disciplinary investigation.

The seven accused are expected to appear in court today.