By Breaking Belize News Staff: An American national, 28-year-old Darnae Agise Omar Garcia, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison on Tuesday after the Chief Magistrate in Court #1 ordered a psychiatric evaluation, following an unusual arraignment that lasted more than an hour.
Garcia, who has been living in Belize since July 2025 and is a former member of the US military, appeared before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on multiple serious charges stemming from a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend in the Lords Bank area over the weekend. He is accused of shooting at two police officers and his ex-girlfriend as they were leaving the scene, as well as damaging a Government of Belize pickup truck.
However, the Chief Magistrate was unable to take a plea after Garcia repeatedly told the court he did not understand the charges being read to him. During the arraignment, Garcia stated that he has previously been diagnosed with a psychotic condition and admitted that he has not been taking his prescribed medications since arriving in Belize.
As a result, the court ordered that he be remanded until May 16, 2026, pending a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental state and whether he is fit to understand the proceedings against him.
Garcia was read several charges, including two counts of kept firearm without a gun license, two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license, harm upon his ex-girlfriend, three counts of attempted murder against two officers and his ex, as well as damage to property for a white Government of Belize pickup truck that was allegedly shot.
Police allege that at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, police responded to reports of a domestic dispute on Old Well Road in Lords Bank. Upon arrival, they encountered Garcia and the woman on the street. Officers observed visible injuries to the woman’s face.
According to police, when Garcia was informed he would be detained for common assault, he ran into his house. She reportedly warned officers that Garcia had a large firearm and a 9mm pistol inside. The officers decided to leave the area with the woman in the back seat of the police vehicle.
As they drove away, the woman reported hearing two loud bangs resembling gunshots. Officers later observed two apparent gunshot holes to the tailgate and rear section of the police mobile. Fearing for their lives, they proceeded to the Ladyville Police Station to make a report.
The woman later told police that earlier that night Garcia had allegedly punched her in the face, dragged her from his vehicle, assaulted her multiple times, and threw a stone at her before police arrived. She was later taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
During the search, police reportedly found Garcia in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle with a loaded magazine, and a total of 74 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. A black wallet containing a US Veteran ID, visa card, and small quantities of suspected cannabis and fonto were also allegedly found.
In court, Garcia made several comments while charges were being read and at one point removed his jacket and showed his hands to the court. He told the Magistrate he had only consumed alcohol on the night of the incident and denied using drugs. He confirmed he had been diagnosed with psychotic features in the past and had been prescribed two medications, which he has not taken since relocating to Belize.
Garcia’s twin brother was called before the court and informed of the situation. He told the Magistrate that the family is prepared to fund a private psychiatric evaluation. The court explained that an official order would be made for the evaluation while Garcia remains in custody.
The court also heard that Garcia has a pending firearm trafficking matter before the Corozal Magistrate’s Court, for which a bench warrant has been issued due to his failure to appear. Additionally, he is currently out on bail for a common assault charge involving the same woman from December 2025.
The Chief Magistrate emphasized that no plea could be taken until Garcia is able to understand the charges against him. The psychiatric evaluation will determine his mental fitness before the matter proceeds further in court.
The post ‘Psychotic’ US Army Vet living in Belize remanded after shooting at police truck escorting ex-girlfriend; history of gun charges, mental illness appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: An American national, 28-year-old Darnae Agise Omar Garcia, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison on Tuesday after the Chief Magistrate in Court #1 ordered a psychiatric evaluation, following an unusual arraignment that lasted more than an hour. Garcia, who has been living in Belize since July 2025 and is
The post ‘Psychotic’ US Army Vet living in Belize remanded after shooting at police truck escorting ex-girlfriend; history of gun charges, mental illness appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
