7 News Belize

Trigger Happy Constable In Commanders’ Crosshairs
posted (October 4, 2018)

A trigger happy Belmopan police constable is on the wrong side of the law. PC Michael Patten was hanging out at an Orange Walk night club early Saturday morning. He was off duty at the time but according to his report, he had to spring into police mode to break up a fight and defend himself by firing shots in the air. It was caught on surveillance camera, and his police colleagues don't agree with his approach to defuse the situation. Here is what police had to say.

ACP Joseph Myvette - Head of NCIB
"Yes the police did receive a video that was circulating where upon one PC Michael Patten who is attached to the special patrol unit in Belmopan according to him he was socializing with others at a night club in Orange Walk on Guadalupe Street. Sometime during the course if that night, there was an altercation within the club by persons known to police as a result one of those persons was beaten up and suffered some facial injuries. According to PC Patten when he was escorting that person to his vehicle in order to transport that person to the hospital, as a result of those who were around, he feared that he would have been attacked by that crowd, he pulled out his service issued 9mm pistol and fired several rounds. An investigation is being conducted into this matter. This officer was brought in as part of the investigation, his weapon has been withheld so at this point in time there is a certainty he will be dealt with disciplinary wise."

Reporter
"How would police normally address such issues like this where an officer is basically trying to assist somebody who was hurt?"

ACP Joseph Myvette
"Well we are also of the opinion that he could have called for assistance, one and two, there was another officer within the same establishment whom he could have called upon for assistance."

As you heard, PC Patten will face disciplinary charges. Police say they will look at Patten's version of events as well as the night club goers version.  

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