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ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"Belmopan police responded to information at BUCA Service Station on Constitution Drive Belmopan. Upon their arrival it was reported to them that a slim, dark complexion male person entered the gas station armed with a hand gun and held up the cashier inside the building and stole an undisclosed amount of money. He then proceeded outside of the service station where he robbed two gas attendants of an undisclosed amount of money. In the process he attempted to escape by jumping into a vehicle, however, he was unsuccessful at that so he decided to get out and jump in another vehicle and was also unsuccessful, so he decided to then make his escape on foot. During the process, a shot was fired by him at vehicle which was passing by. One of those gas attendants then pursued him in his vehicle where he caught him on a street opposite the service station where a struggle ensued between both persons and as a result several shots were discharged from the weapon. Police then arrived on the scene where the suspect was taken into custody where he reported to the police that he may have been shot. As a result, one apparant gunshot imjury was observed to his right arm just below the elbow which seemed to have been an entry and exit wound. He was then taken to the Western Regional Hospital where he remains under police guard in a stable condition. Police recovered one nine millimeter pistol during the incident."

Reporter
"Is he known to have a residence in Belmopan or might he have gone there for the purpose of the commission of a robbery?"

ACP Joseph Myvett
"At this point in time we do not know of him having any residence in Belmopan."

Reporter
"Is he known to the police?"

ACP Joseph Myvett
"Yes he is."

Reporter
"The gun he used, was it a stolen weapon as far as you know?"

ACP Joseph Myvett
"Checks are still being made to determine whether or not that was the case."

Reporter
"What would you say of the actions of this particular attendant who showed extraordinary either bravery or foolhardiness to chase down a man who is has a gun and is prepared to use it on anyone, shooting at a car that had nothing to do with it?"

ACP Joseph Myvett
"I would say that indeed much care could have been exercised because the police had already been called and were already going to the area where he was pursuing the suspect. So, in that, he too could have been injured."

Police named the suspect, James Escarpeta, from Hattieville a man known to them. He is currently in the hospital, pending charges. Our archives show he got off a murder 10 years ago.