Posted on 09/15/2007 2:30:32 PM PDT by DancesWithCats
February 23, 2007
A US tourist realized a robbery wasn't a joke when a masked robber put a gun to her head and a military veteran in her tour group grabbed the young assailant and killed him with his bare hands.
"I thought it was a skit. But then he pointed the gun at my head and grabbed me by the throat and I thought I was going to die," Clova Adams, 54, told The Associated Press by telephone from the Carnival Liberty cruise ship on Friday, two days after the thwarted robbery.
The assault took place during a ship stopover in Limon, 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital.
Hernandez said the man, whom he refused to identify, struggled with the robber, breaking his clavicle and eventually killing him. Police identified the dead assailant as Warner Segura, 20. The other two robbers fled.
The US Embassy confirmed the account, and also refused to release the name of the US tourist who defended the group, citing his right to privacy.
Sergio Lopez, a Red Cross auxiliary, examined Segura's body and said he died from asphyxiation.
Lopez also treated Adams for a panic attack.
Adams was part of a group of 12 American tourists who hired a local driver to explore Costa Rica for a few hours. They were climbing out of the van to a visit a Caribbean beach when three masked men ran toward them. One held a gun to her head, while the other two pulled out knives.
Suddenly, one of the tourists, a US military veteran estimated to be in his 70s, jumped out of the van and put the gunman in a headlock, according to Limon police chief Luis Hernandez.
(Excerpt) Read more at tonyrogers.com ...
Costa Rican officials interviewed the group, but said they wouldn't charge the US tourist with any crime because he acted in self defense.
"They were in their right to defend themselves after being held up," Hernandez said.
He said Segura had previous charges against him for assault.
The cruise ship delayed its departure until the group was released and again boarded the ship, The Carnival Liberty, which was set to return Sunday to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Adams spoke with the AP until a man who identified himself as her fiancee said they didn't want to talk to the press. He said the group might release a joint statement later, without elaborating. Adams did not say what state or city she came from.
Costa Rica has struggled with growing violence and crime in recent years. University of Kansas student Shannon Martin, 23, was stabbed to death in 2001 after she left a nightclub in Golfito, 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of San Jose.
Carnival Cruise Lines confirmed in a statement that one of the ship's guests had killed the Costa Rican assailant, but refused to name those involved.
"All of the guests involved, who had booked the cruise together as a group, have opted to continue with their vacation plans. Carnival is providing full support and assistance to the guests," the statement said.
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YAY and a heroes award for another U.S. military veteran!! Even though the guy is in his 70's, he still had The Right Stuff!!
(this story is a tad old but I searched for it and didn't find any reference to it on FR ... figured it was still an interesting article and you'd all enjoy hearing about this guy!)
A story well worth repeating! Confronting the problem directly as a citizen who refuses to to be taken advantage of!
A bit of good news! Thanks!
bookmark
Yes! Isn’t it grand to read sometimes some good news? And feel proud of our veterans! Great job. The lousy jackals ...
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WOW!
LOL! No slacker here.
Steak & Eggs for the soul.
Usually the only calm one around.
sniff ... I just love a happy ending! gets me all teary-eyed.
LOL... it eats good!.
Usually the only calm one around.
You betcha. Thank God for 'em!
Sad story, but it had a happy ending.
People might cringe but it could have ended VERY badly the group - had their not been someone who decided they weren’t gonna play victim today. Way to go good guys!
Yes, he was in fact an old Jarhead..
Some training stays with one, forever....
Yeah, and thank God for ‘em!
Very cool. Thanks for the story.
I love this story ping
Boy oh boy, so do I. Thanks for the PING.
You are velcome. Now go to bed.
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