Border taxi robbery: Guatemalan merchant loses thousands

Posted: Tuesday, December 3, 2024. 6:52 am CST.

By Horace Palacio: A Guatemalan merchant was robbed at knifepoint near the Belize Western Border on Sunday, losing thousands of dollars in cash. The incident occurred after the victim arrived at the Benque Viejo bus terminal around 5 p.m. and boarded a beige four-door taxi to head to the border. The driver diverted the route to Arenal Road, claiming he needed to pick up an item. Once off the paved road, the driver stopped the vehicle, brandished an eight-inch blade, and threatened the victim. He then demanded all valuables.

The victim complied, handing over his wallet containing $1,700 Belizean dollars and $1,000 Guatemalan Quetzals. The money was earnings from his daily business in Belize City, which he has frequented for over two decades.

Police say the victim described the suspect as a medium-built Hispanic man with brown skin, short straight black hair, and average height. The suspect remains at large. Authorities are reviewing video footage from surrounding areas in hopes of identifying the perpetrator.

The victim, visibly shaken, urged fellow traders to exercise caution while crossing the border. Investigations are ongoing.

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