No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveColombians Arrested, Accused of Targeting Tourists

Colombians Arrested, Accused of Targeting Tourists

Tourist Police arrested three Colombians they believe responsible for targeting foreigners.

The suspects were set free the next day by a judge.

“Of course, they’ve already been freed,” said a frustrated Tourism Police Chief Katia Chavarría. “Every day, we’re chasing the same criminals around over and over again. We’re hoping the laws will be changed.”

Chavarría said all three suspects have been arrested on multiple occasions for the same crime.

Authorities arrested three men – last names Quintana, Correa and Pinzón – Sunday near the Los Caribeños bus station in San José after the suspects allegedly robbed some tourists by using the “pinchonazo” method.

Pinchonazo consists of puncturing a parked car’s tires, waiting for the driver to drive away, following him until he pulls over and then robbing the occupants.

“The alleged gang of ‘tourist-assaulters’ fled in a Nissan Sentra after the robbery, but tourism authorities hindered their escape,” states a Public Security Ministry press release.

All three suspects, two of them refugees and another arrested for the same crime in April (TT, April 18), have already been released by a criminal judge. Under Costa Rican law, police can hold suspects for just 24 hours before a judge orders preventive prison, other precautionary measures or unconditional freedom.

An omnibus crime bill that would strengthen laws and procedures has been before the Legislative Assembly since March but still hasn’t made it out of committee.

–Nick Wilkinson

 

Trending Now

Guatemala Offers Asylum to Nicaraguan Migrants Deported by U.S.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced on Friday that his country will grant asylum to Nicaraguan migrants deported by the United States who do not...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica