Suspect arrested in Costa Rican soccer robbery

Panamanian police have arrested a Peruvian woman suspected of burglarizing the Costa Rican men’s national soccer team in Panama City last week. The woman, identified as Ximena Guerra, is accused of stealing more than $160,000 in goods and cash from the hotel rooms of the members of La Sele, who are staying at the Hotel Riande Continental and Casino in Panama City while they compete in the Central American Cup. The theft took place Wednesday night.

On Saturday, the Panamanian Judicial Investigation Police (DIJ) detained Guerra at the Albrook Marcos Gelabert International Airport in Panama City. The DIJ reported that Guerra was carrying a false U.S. passport and $6,700 in cash. After a further search of Guerra’s luggage, the DIJ recovered $17,880 in cash, as well as seven computers, several watches, and electrical devices.

The merchandise has been returned to the members of the team.

After a 1-1 tie in a Friday match with Honduras, Costa Rica beat Guatemala 2-0 on Sunday to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament. The semi-finals will be held Friday in Panama City.