‘I behaving the worst:’ Belizean-American who refused to give up bottle during OW carnival fined $1,500 for assaulting ComPol

Published by BBNTEAM at September 23, 2024

Posted: Monday, September 23, 2024. 5:06 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: A Belizean-American who committed an aggravated assault upon no less than the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, was convicted in court this afternoon on a charge of aggravated assault.

46-year-old Jaron James McKay, a consultant of Phoenix, Arizona, appeared this afternoon in the presence of his attorney, Leeroy Banner to answer to the single charge of aggravated assault – that is, that on Saturday, September 21, McKay while in Orange Walk Town intentionally and unlawfully committed an aggravated assault upon Commissioner Chester Williams whilst in the execution of his duties.

Before the charge was read to McKay, attorney Banner asked Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola to allow him to first get instructions from his client. Banner then asked the court for a sentencing indication should his client choose to plead guilty, noting that his client did not recognize the Commissioner, who was not in the traditional #1 uniform but rather a camouflage outfit.

The Chief Magistrate said that the victim is the top law enforcement officer in Belize aggravates the charge, but she was inclined to refrain from imposing a custodial sentence and fine him a higher amount than normal. She also noted that McKay had been consuming alcohol in public.

McKay then pleaded guilty to the charge. He asked the court for leniency since this was his first offense; he said he was regretful of his action.

The court set a fine of $1,500 and cost of court to be paid by September 30, in default, 10 months’ imprisonment. According to McKay, he will be visiting Belize for the next 2 weeks but was advised to make the payment by the end of the month.

The incident took place around 4 p.m. when the Commissioner, working for the day with the Mobile Interdiction Unit, was on Dunn Street with other officers when he met a man and a woman drinking from a bottle, which is an offense – alcohol consumption is only permitted privately.

Commissioner Williams approached the two persons and asked the male for the bottle, but he pushed his hand away. ComPol Williams insisted that he hand over the bottle but the man, later identified to be McKay, pushed at him.

McKay was then escorted into custody at the Orange Walk Police Station, where a statement was recorded from Commissioner Williams who requested court action.

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