_{(l-r) Kris Rosado, Charged; Ascenio Cus, deceased}

By Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Tues. July 29, 2025

A well-known nightclub owner surrendered himself to police on Tuesday, July 29, after being involved in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 38-year-old police constable Arcenio Cus of Silver Creek Village, Toledo District.

Cus was struck from behind by a car at around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, near Hakim Shipyard Bar & Grill at Mile 6.5 on the Philip Goldson Highway, as he was riding a motorcycle towards Belize City.

Cus had completed his daily shift and was on his way home when he was fatally struck. 

The driver, who did not stop to render aid after hitting Cus, was reportedly identified as Kris Rosado, owner of Thirsty Thursdays Bar and Grill in Belize City. According to reports, Rosado voluntarily turned himself in at the Ladyville Police Station later that day and has been cooperating with police, who continue to investigate the incident.

“It was so sad. We spoke to him a few days ago, because we were doing the tour there, and he mentioned that he had 19 years as a police officer,” said Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police. 

“He was a supervisor of one of the reliefs, hardworking and humble. He was looking forward to the next elevation in his rank, but it was so sad that the incident occurred, and I want to give my condolences to the family. It affected not only the family, but also his colleagues and the other police officers who worked with him,” Rosado added. 

In reference to the increased frequency of fatal motorcycle accidents, and the use of this type of transportation by many members of the Police Department, Commissioner Rosado remarked, “While our police officers, most of whom work in the Belize District, are from other districts, the department has tried to facilitate their mode of transportation. In some cases, I know our officers do travel on motorcycles, but they choose, and like any other Belizean, they rely on it.”

Charges have so far not been brought against Rosado, but it is expected that he will be charged soon.