SPI Officer Charged for Firing Gun in Casco

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Panama has charged the Institutional Protection Service (SPI) officer who shot a 22 ­year­ old American tourist in Casco Viejo on April 28.

The officer, who’s duties include protecting the president, fired at a taxi driver who allegedly did not have a license.  Reports say the SPI officer asked the taxi to stop, but when he fled a shot was fired. A US citizen visiting Panama was injured by the bullet and was taken to hospital where she remains in stable condition. A judge has approved the request of  Prosecutor Víctor Raúl Barrios Puga for the testimony of the victim to be recorded before she leaves the country. The statement has been taken at the private hospital where the victim is being treated.