Fan Fatally Struck During Puerto Rico Visit for Bad Bunny Show, Authorities Report
In the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the historic neighbourhood of La Perla continues to grapple with safety concerns, despite recent efforts to improve security and reduce crime.
La Perla, a coastal community on the outskirts of Old San Juan, has been known for its higher crime rates compared to other areas, with incidents of violence in the past, particularly in the early 2000s and 2010s. However, local authorities and community initiatives have been working tirelessly to make the area safer for both residents and visitors.
These efforts seem to have had some effect, as the latest available information up to 2024 indicates occasional reports of violent incidents, but these are not specifically or exclusively targeted at tourists. The Puerto Rican police and local groups have been instrumental in making La Perla a safer destination, given its cultural significance and popularity among tourists.
Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred in April 2024, when a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire following a drug purchase and taking pictures of La Perla after being warned not to do so. More recently, in February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming inside La Perla.
A more recent incident involved a fatal shooting of a tourist from New York named Kevin Mares. The shooting took place at a nightspot called "Shelter for Mistreated Men" in La Perla. According to reports, Mares was an innocent bystander who was shot on the left side of his abdomen and died at Puerto Rico's largest public hospital. Two other men who live in La Perla were injured and remain hospitalized.
The shooting occurred when several people near Mares began arguing, and one pulled out a gun, shooting at least three people. Police do not yet know what the people were arguing about and do not have a description of the shooter.
It's important to note that La Perla became safer and more welcoming after being featured in Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's hit, "Despacito." However, isolated, violent incidents persist, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and safety measures.
Tourists are advised to exercise common travel safety precautions, such as visiting with guides, avoiding isolated areas, and staying alert after dark. For the most current and detailed safety assessments, it's best to consult local news sources or official travel advisories before planning a visit.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the safety situation in La Perla and Puerto Rico as a whole, it's recommended to check with Puerto Rico's law enforcement or tourism offices.
The general-news article recounts a string of crime-and-justice incidents in the La Perla neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which has been a tourist destination since the success of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito." Sports might not be directly related to the news but, because of Kevin Mares' tragic death, the New York sports community has been advocating for increased safety measures in La Perla.
