By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City man is alleging that police brutalized after he was charged with assaulting two police officers following an incident at a popular nightclub over the weekend and he claims it all started over a cigarette.
Jermaine “Horse” Garnett, 44, appeared before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in Court #6 on Monday, May 5, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated assault against two officers. The charges stem from an altercation at a popular nightclub across from Digi Park in Belize City on Saturday, May 2.
Garnett, who was unrepresented, was granted bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount, which he met. He was reportedly in visible pain and bore injuries when he was brought to court.
According to police, the incident unfolded inside the club; however, Garnett claims the situation escalated after he complied with instructions to leave after he lit up a cigarette in the club, which ironically is known for hookah smoking. Speaking from his Kraal Road home on Tuesday morning, Garnett said he exited the club willingly after being signaled by a female officer.
He alleges that once outside, he was pushed from behind by one of the officers, which led to a confrontation. Garnett claims he reacted by hitting the officer’s hand after feeling “violated,” and was then pushed off a verandah, causing him to fall face-first and sustain visible injuries.
Garnett maintains that he was under the influence of alcohol but was not resisting police at the time. He says the force used against him was excessive.
The 44-year-old says he intends to file a formal complaint with the Professional Standards Branch and is calling on the Belize Police Department to review surveillance footage from the nightclub, which he believes will support his account.
Garnett expressed frustration over the incident, stating that he has never been treated in such a manner and is seeking justice.
The matter is expected to return to court at a later date.
The post More Smoke Than He Wanted: Man charged with assaulting cops alleges he was asked to leave hookah bar after lighting up cigarette and suffered police brutality appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City man is alleging that police brutalized after he was charged with assaulting two police officers following an incident at a popular nightclub over the weekend and he claims it all started over a cigarette. Jermaine “Horse” Garnett, 44, appeared before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in Court #6
The post More Smoke Than He Wanted: Man charged with assaulting cops alleges he was asked to leave hookah bar after lighting up cigarette and suffered police brutality appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
