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Before the National Security CEO and the Deputy Police Commissioner went to meet with the Major family, the Deputy ComPol and other senior police officers called an early morning press conference in Belmopan to discuss yesterday’s deadly hours in the city - which saw four violent deaths between 4:00 and 8:00 pm. 

Attempting to get out in front of Allyson Major’s fatal shooting at the hands of their own, these top cops gave the same assurances to the press. They asserted that there would be fairness and impartiality in the way these officers would be investigated.

The media then tried to get more specific details about how the incident unfolded. But, the cops kept repeating that they couldn’t answer certain questions at this time, because the 6 officers involved in the deadly chase were still give their statements. Here’s how that conversation went:

Edward Broaster - Deputy ComPol, Operations & Crime
"I want to speak to the incident on Regent Street, related to Allyson Major. The Belize Police Department will endeavour to do everything in its power to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring justice wherever it needs to be. We’ve been in touch with the wife of Mr. Major, and we’ll be meeting with the family this afternoon to discuss our commitment to ensure that a fair and impartial investigation conducted into this shooting incident by members of the Belize Police Department. I want to let the public know that we are having 2 investigations going at the same time: [one] by the commander of the Professional Standards Branch, and [one] by Alejandro Cowo, as it relates to the shooting of Allyson Major."

Reporter
"So, are there any specifics that any of the officers at the head table could share with us on the incident, how it unfolded from the police’s perspective?"

Edward Broaster
"Well, there was a pursuit being conducted which culminated on Regent Street and saw the unfortunate shooting incident of Mr. Alysson Major."

Reporter
"Did police set chase after Major?"

Edward Broaster
"Yes."

Reporter
"Can you say why?"

Edward Broaster
“Because they believe that he had suspected illegal drugs. As a matter of fact, I believe one parcel was thrown out of the vehicle and was retrieved by a police team."

Reporter
"What kind of drugs?"

Edward Broaster
"Marijuana."

Reporter
"What is the procedure when it comes to police chases, and firing at the vehicle?"

Edward Broaster
"Well, we have our pursuit policy, and our pursuit policy is very clear. We don’t fire at fleeing vehicles. So, we will be looking at all that, and like I said, we’ll do a thorough and fair investigation to assure the public’s confidence that we’ll deal with whoever needs to be dealt with, and lay charges wherever they need to be laid."

Reporter
"Sir, can you tell us, or at least brief us on the circumstances under which these officers fired their weapons injuring Mr. Major?"

Edward Broaster
"I cannot tell you why they fired at this time."

Reporter
"Was a firearm found in Mr. Major’s possession or inside the vehicle?"

Edward Broaster
"None was found."

Reporter
"No drugs were found in the vehicle as well?"

Edward Broaster
"I am not sure - No drugs were found in the vehicle."

Reporter
"Are there concerns from the police command that these officers may have used inappropriate force?"

Edward Broaster
"Of course, there are concerns, hence the reason why we’ve launched a criminal and an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting."

Reporter
"Is there anything to suggest that Mr. Major was any threat to these officers when the shooting happened?"

Edward Broaster
"As I said, we are aware of the circumstance at this time. The investigation is being carried out, and we will do everything in our power to deal with it."

Commissioner Chester Williams is out of the country and returns tomorrow.