American Citizen Hijacks Plane in Belize: Three Injured, Attacker Shot Dead

International News: An American citizen in Belize hijacked a small Tropic Air plane at knifepoint. Three people were injured during the attack, and the assailant was eventually shot dead by a passenger. Chester Williams, the Belize Police Commissioner, reported that the hijacker pulled out a knife mid-air and demanded that the domestic flight be turned into an international one.

Identity of the Hijacker

Williams recognized the hijacker as American citizen Akinyela Sava Taylor.He mentioned that the situation seemed to involve a military-like figure, as Taylor threatened passengers and the pilot mid-flight, demanding to be flown out of the country.

Hijacking and Injured Passengers

According to the police commissioner, the plane was flying between northern Belize and the capital city, Belize City, when it started to run low on fuel. Taylor stabbed three people on board, including the pilot and a passenger. One of the passengers, however, shot the hijacker with a licensed firearm, killing him in the process.

Hijacker’s Intent and Demands

Citing police reports, revealed that the hijacker was attempting to leave the country and demanded additional fuel for the plane. However, a passenger shot the hijacker, preventing his escape. Police confirmed that it was unclear how Taylor managed to bring a knife onto the plane, though they acknowledged that there was a lack of thorough security checks at smaller airports in the country.

Ongoing Investigation and Entry Details

Police also mentioned that they were unsure how the hijacker had entered the country. Authorities had previously denied him entry over the weekend. The plane was scheduled to fly a short route from Corozal to San Pedro, near the Mexican border.