Source: Wikimedia Commons

In the wake of a terrible shooting that sent a United States expat to an intensive care unit in Costa Rica, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the United States has issued a security message warning to travelers. As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the recent shooting took place in Escazu, an affluent municipality that serves as an upscale suburb of San Jose.

The message, which appears on the OSAC web site, reads:

The following information is provided as an overview of recent security incidents that, because of their location or nature, could affect the safety of U.S. citizens traveling and living in Escazú.

 

During March, three separate drive-by shootings occurred in Escazú, resulting in the death of two Costa Rican citizens and serious injury to a U.S. citizen. One shooting took place by the Los Anonos Bridge, another near CIMA Hospital and the third in front of the Chez Christophe restaurant located on the west side of Paco Plaza in Escazu.

 

U.S. citizens are reminded that crime and violence can occur anywhere, so always be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow the instructions of local authorities.

 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Costa Rica enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov/step/. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

 

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Costa Rica. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.

 

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You may follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate in San Jose is located at Av. O Calle 120, Rohrmoser. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is 2519-2000.

In the past, The Costa Rica Star has reported on the travel warnings issued by the governments of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. It is interesting to note that the Costa Rica 2015 Crime and Safety Report from the U.S. State Department begins as follows:

Violent crimes like murders, robberies, and sexual assaults are not committed frequently against U.S. citizens.

With regard to the aforementioned shooting in Escazu, reports by local news media suggests that the shooting appears to have been targeted and not motivated by robbery. Witnesses explain that the saw one of the gunmen actually reach through an open window of the car driven by the victim. Nothing appears to have been stolen from this U.S. businessman, who was reportedly involved in real estate – an economic activity often undertaken by North American expats in Costa Rica.