Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2025. 8:49 am CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Former Belize Coast Guard officer Shakeem Rashaad Richards is a free man tonight after charges stemming from a 2023 altercation with police officers outside a popular nightclub were dropped in court due to lack of prosecution.
Richards, now 26, appeared unrepresented in Court #5 on Wednesday morning, where he was informed that the two police officers involved in the incident — Cpl. Carlos Poot and Cpl. Mario Chin — no longer wished to proceed with the case. Prosecutors subsequently withdrew all three charges, which included two counts of aggravated assault and one count of using threatening words.
The charges stemmed from a confrontation in November 2023 outside Long Island Bar on Blue Marlin Drive. The incident, which was caught on video and went viral, showed a heated altercation between Richards and police officers, sparking public backlash against the Coast Guard over Richards’ behavior.
According to reports, the incident began when Richards, who had previously exited the bar, was denied re-entry. The refusal reportedly led to a physical altercation with officers stationed at the entrance. In court today, Richards said he believed the case was dropped because the officers lacked evidence and eventually recognized that he, like them, is a public servant.
While this case is now behind him, Richards remains entangled in another serious legal matter. He is currently on interdiction, though not for the nightclub incident, but for his alleged involvement in a 2022 armed robbery at the Puma Gas Station on George Price Highway and Fabers Road. That case is still active, and Richards is out on High Court bail pending trial, which is set for September 2025.
Richards also shared that his defense in the robbery case has faced delays due to the conviction of his former attorney, Oscar Selgado, for abetment to murder. He is currently seeking new legal representation.
Following today’s court appearance, Richards told reporters he remains optimistic about his upcoming trial, maintaining his innocence and expressing hope for vindication.
His mother, Justice of the Peace Agnes Marcella Thompson, had previously spoken publicly in defense of her son following the viral video, urging the police department to ensure transparency in its handling of the matter.
Richards also revealed that he was found guilty in a Coast Guard tribunal but only officially received a letter of interdiction in October 2024. He said he had been receiving half pay until December 2024, when his salary was cut entirely. Despite reports of his impending dismissal, Richards claimed he has not yet been served with any official termination notice.
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The post Charges dropped against former Coast Guard Officer in viral bar confrontation case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2025. 8:49 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: Former Belize Coast Guard officer Shakeem Rashaad Richards is a free man tonight
The post Charges dropped against former Coast Guard Officer in viral bar confrontation case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
