In a swift law enforcement response to armed robbery, Corozal police have successfully apprehended and formally charged two local residents following a February 18th gas station holdup. The arrested individuals have been identified as 20-year-old Jair Rancharan and 37-year-old Armando Villanueva, both from Corozal Town.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2:27 PM at the Western Gas Station located in the Chula Vista district. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, two male suspects entered the establishment, with one brandishing a firearm. The assailants threatened the attendant and demanded the day’s revenue, which was subsequently handed over before their escape from the scene.
Police initiated an immediate investigation utilizing multiple technological resources. CCTV footage analysis combined with coordinated ground operations and aerial drone surveillance led to the capture of both suspects within approximately sixty minutes of the crime.
Evidence recovery proved significant: Rancharan was found in possession of a .38 caliber revolver containing six live rounds, while Villanueva carried what investigators believe to be the stolen currency. ASP Smith revealed the recovered firearm may be connected to a previous December 2025 security guard robbery case.
Rancharan faces additional weapons-related charges including unlicensed firearm possession, unlawful ammunition possession, and possession of a weapon with removed serial identification.
ASP Smith emphasized the growing importance of technological integration in modern policing, noting that aerial drone systems provide superior surveillance coverage compared to traditional ground personnel alone. She confirmed that drone technology is being increasingly deployed for both reactive criminal investigations and proactive crime prevention initiatives.