Trial begins for sergeant accused of obstructing police officer during arrest

Published by [email protected] at January 6, 2025

Posted: Monday, January 6, 2025. 10:21 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The trial against interdicted police officer Sergeant Walton Patrick Banner, 36, commenced on Monday in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before a Senior Magistrate in Court #3. Sgt. Banner, a resident of Lemonal Village, is facing charges of obstruction for allegedly preventing Corporal Shane Cabral from arresting Julian Reynolds during an incident at the Castleton Horse Track in Burrell Boom on April 1, 2024.

The trial began at 10:00 a.m. with Head of Prosecution, Alifah Elrington, calling two of the five witnesses she intends to present. Sgt. Banner is being represented by attorney Leeroy Banner.

PC Mendez, one of the first witnesses, testified that he was part of a Special Patrol Unit (SPU) team responding to a fight that broke out after the horse race. According to Mendez, while dispersing the crowd, they encountered a man wielding a machete, which he used to injure another individual. After Corporal Cabral fired a warning shot, the man complied with police orders and was detained.

Mendez further alleged that during the arrest, Sgt. Banner, dressed in a red cap, red shirt, and three-quarter jeans, obstructed the officers by being boisterous, using insulting words, and creating a commotion that hindered their ability to transport the detainee to the police mobile.

PC Travis Zuniga corroborated Mendez’s account, stating that Sgt. Banner acted erratically, questioning their actions with gestures and remarks. However, during cross-examination, attorney Leeroy Banner suggested that Zuniga’s testimony was inconsistent with his 2024 statement and accused him of fabricating the story. Zuniga denied these claims.

In the afternoon session, two additional witnesses, PC Christian Reyes and Corporal Shane Cabral, took the stand. The prosecution plans to call one final witness, the arresting officer, when the trial resumes on Thursday, January 23, 2024.

Sgt. Banner has denied the allegations against him, and the trial continues as the court examines the evidence presented by both sides.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.