Drone Assist Leads to Swift Corozal Robbery Arrests  

Police say quick teamwork on the ground, and a drone overhead, helped them track down two men accused of pulling off a bold daytime robbery at the Western Gas Station in Corozal’s Chula Vista area. Within minutes, officers had twenty‑year‑old Jahir Rancharan and thirty‑seven‑year‑old Armando Villanueva in custody, along with the stolen cash and a loaded .38 revolver they believe was used in the hold‑up. Investigators are now looking closely at that weapon, which may tie the suspects to another robbery involving a security guard late last year. Today, police walked us through how the takedown unfolded.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“It was reported that two male persons, one of whom was armed with a firearm went to that establishment and with the use of threat demand that the attendant handed over the proceeds of the days 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 to cardoning the area and creating a drag net. Based on the investigation and the use of drone, the police officers were able some one hour after the incident to apprehend these two male persons, Villanueva and Rancheran. And in Mr. Rancheran’s position. Police found a point 38 revolver, which also contained six live rounds of point-thirty-eight caliber ammunition. Whilst Mr. Villanueva was found in possession of items, believed to be the proceeds of the robbery.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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