Easter Sunday Shootout in Caye Caulker

A brazen shootout and escape at sea has undercut recent efforts to strengthen security on Caye Caulker.

Just days after the Belize Coast Guard established a forward operating base on the island, masked gunmen fired on police during a pre-dawn pursuit on Easter Sunday before fleeing by boat.

Officers from the Quick Response Team attempted to intercept a suspicious three-wheeled vehicle when at least one suspect opened fire. Police returned fire as the chase moved toward the island’s shoreline.

Reports are that suspects abandoned the vehicle after it ended up in the sea near the RCD Wharf and made their escape aboard a waiting vessel.

Investigators recovered burglary tools and multiple shell casings at the scene and are reviewing surveillance footage. No arrests have been made.