Senior cop on attempted murder charge

BELMOPAN, Belize – A senior police officer is to return to court on August 3 on a charge of attempted murder.
Inspector Dennis Lopez, 42, appeared before Chief Magistrate Margaret Gabb McKenzie on Thursday on charges of attempted murder and dangerous harm after Steven Buckley was shot on April 28.
Buckley, along with three other companions, was travelling in a vehicle belonging to his employer when they were pulled over by police on mobile patrol.
What should have been a routine stop and search ended with Buckley’s shooting and the police department coming under increasing criticism for use of excessive force.
Lopez, who has been accused of pulling the trigger, was unrepresented in court and was denied bail. (CMC)