Belizean authorities have initiated a rigorous legal response following a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Special Constable Marcos Acal on Friday night. Juan Carlos Estrada Prado, a 30-year-old Guatemalan national and cattle truck driver from Santa Cruz Village, now faces multiple criminal charges including manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and several traffic violations.
The tragedy unfolded around 7:30 PM on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway when Constable Acal, traveling on his motorcycle, was struck by a Hino brand pickup truck. Despite severe injuries sustained from the collision, the driver failed to stop and provide assistance. Constable Acal was discovered alongside the roadway by responders and transported to Southern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Through coordinated intelligence operations, police units in Punta Gorda successfully intercepted the suspect vehicle at a local dump site hours after the incident. Estrada Prado was apprehended along with two male passengers found aboard the truck. Forensic examination of the vehicle revealed significant damage and apparent blood evidence consistent with the collision.
Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, confirmed that investigators are evaluating potential charges against the two passengers who were present during the incident. ASP Smith emphasized that all occupants had a legal obligation to report the accident, stating that the traffic department has been specifically tasked with determining appropriate charges against them.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about road safety and legal accountability in hit-and-run incidents, particularly those involving foreign nationals operating commercial vehicles across Central American borders.