‘Fake Cops’ Charged After Armed Vape Shop Robbery

Two men are in police custody following a brazen armed robbery at a vape shop on Daly Street, Belize City, where they allegedly posed as police officers and escaped with more than $20,000 before being captured after a chase.

Police have formally arrested and charged 27-year-old Kenroy Amani Daly and 26-year-old Ahkeem Rashawn Danderson with robbery and false pretence of officer. Daly has also been charged with aggravated assault.

The incident unfolded around 6:15 p.m. on Monday, April 27, when police responded to reports of a robbery in progress. According to investigators, 28-year-old shop attendant Dylan Vasquez reported that two men entered the establishment dressed in camouflage uniforms resembling police gear.

An eyewitness told News 5 that the suspects arrived on a motorcycle wearing full helmets, raising no suspicion as they approached the business, which operates a controlled entry system. Staff reportedly buzzed them inside moments before the situation escalated.

Police say one of the men held a firearm to an employee’s neck while the other went behind the counter, stealing cash from the register along with dozens of disposable vapes. The cash, reportedly exceeding $20,000, had been counted shortly before the robbery following a car sale.

The suspects fled the scene on the motorcycle, but officers in the area responded quickly and initiated a pursuit. During the chase, one of the men allegedly fired at police.

Both suspects were eventually apprehended. Authorities recovered the stolen cash along with two 9mm pistols and loaded magazines containing a total of 19 live rounds of ammunition.