Orange Walk Shooting Fuels Public Concern
Another outbreak of gun violence has residents on edge, this time in Orange Walk District. Early Sunday morning, twenty-eight-year-old Eric Martinez was shot while inside a vehicle in what police believe was a targeted attack. Martinez survived and remains in stable condition, but the shooting adds to a violent weekend that claimed three lives across the country. As investigators work to determine a motive and identify those responsible, concerns continue to grow over the recent surge in gun-related crimes. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero has more on the case.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crime Investigating Branch
“On Sunday around three fifteen a.m., police responded to a shooting in Orange Walk. Upon their arrival, they learned that a male person had been shot. He was identified as Eric Martinez. Information is that he was inside a vehicle and along with another male person when they were followed by another vehicle. The occupants of that vehicle fired several shots towards their direction, causing the injuries to Eric Martinez. Eric Martinez is now listed in a stable condition, and an investigation is being carried out”
Reporter
“Any motive established?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We have not established a clear motive. Information is that he had dispute with someone in the past, and this person may have followed him in that vehicle.”
Reporter
“Has anyone been detained yet?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We have two persons in custody at this time.”
Police confirmed Martinez has no prior record with the department and the search for the weapon continues.
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