UPDATE: March 19, 9:45 a.m. A spokeswoman from San Juan de Dios Hospital confirmed that the victim is still interned at the hospital and is in “delicate” condition. She said she was not authorized to give further details.
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A 42-year-old U.S. businessman identified as Noah was shot four times outside a restaurant near the Paco Commercial Center in San Rafael de Escazú Wednesday morning, according to initial reports from the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ).
Noah, who lived in the upscale area, was seen leaving a restaurant and getting into his car when two men on a motorcycle pulled up next to him. One of the two reached into Noah’s vehicle and shot him at least four times in the chest.
The U.S. citizen, who police said worked in real estate, was taken to the San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José for surgery at approximately 11:00 a.m. The Tico Times was unable to obtain an update on his health status on Wednesday afternoon.
Criminals riding motorcycles have shot 45 people dead in the past year, officials say. The string of motorcycle-mounted attacks has led OIJ Director Francisco Segura to request new restrictions for motorcycles on the roads, including prohibiting more than one rider on a bike.
In 2014, OIJ received 1,738 complaints of assaults committed by individuals driving motorcycles. So far this year they’ve received 251 complaints.
OIJ is investigating the case.
