Woman who swallowed crack pipe and had to be rushed to hospital charged for assaulting police, resisting arrest, handling stolen goods

Posted: Tuesday, August 20, 2024. 9:44 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Gina Cara Wagner, 35, narrowly escaped death after swallowing a crack pipe while in police custody, but now finds herself behind bars awaiting sentencing for multiple offenses, including two counts of aggravated assault on police officers.

Wagner, who was initially detained on suspicion of handling stolen goods, appeared in Belize City Magistrate Court #2 on Monday. Unrepresented, she faced four criminal charges: two counts of aggravated assault against her arresting officers, along with charges of resisting arrest and obstruction.

The incident unfolded on Friday, August 16, 2024, when police escorted Wagner to the Euphrates Police Station for a search. During the search, Wagner grabbed a crack pipe and attempted to dispose of it. When police tried to retrieve the pipe, Wagner allegedly swallowed it, leading to a struggle during which she allegedly kicked and stomped on the officer.

Another officer intervened, but Wagner reportedly grabbed a plastic shield and struck him multiple times in the head. Wagner was then rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where doctors successfully extracted the three-inch pipe from her throat.

In court, Wagner initially wavered between pleading guilty and not guilty, tearfully insisting that she did not steal the items she was accused of handling. She claimed she found them in the trash and was merely trying to sell them. Her emotional state led the Magistrate to delay sentencing until she could compose herself.

Ultimately, Wagner pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending sentencing. She is due back in court on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

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