Woman faces armed attack in Costa Rica
(Date: June 7, 2002)

Elisabeth Wake - attacked by a gunman in Costa Rica

An Orkney woman narrowly escaped with her life after a harrowing armed robbery in Central America which left her companion in hospital with gunshot wounds.

Elisabeth Wake, a former pupil of Firth Primary School and Stromness Academy, was attacked last week in Costa Rica where she is working as a teacher.

The 22-year-old and her friend – 25-year-old US citizen David Sawyer – were both injured during the incident. Elisabeth was treated for internal swelling after her struggle with the attacker and Mr Sawyer was taken to hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. He was later released.

Both friends teach at the European School in San Rafael de Heredia, northwest of San José and had spent the evening out at a few bars in San Rafael on the night of the attack.

By around 5 am they decided to head for home, but as Mr Sawyer was about to call a taxi, he was told by the bar owner that they could get a lift with the bartender.

The bartender then invited them to see a nearby waterfall and they agreed, following him on foot across a field towards a river.

Shortly after their arrival, the bartender allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Mr Sawyer twice before turning on Elisabeth.

Although not shot at herself, Elisabeth was held in a stranglehold before losing consciousness, only to awake finding the bartender pointing a gun at her head.

Speaking to The Orcadian this week, Elisabeth recalled: “I can remember thinking I am going to faint and passed out. When I woke up, I remember coming round and forgetting where I was. That was when he grabbed me again and that was when it was quite bad and we were struggling for about three minutes. I was screaming and trying to get away and then I saw the gun.”

Elisabeth said she was then dragged towards some woods, but somehow managed to free herself and run off, after throwing her shoulder bag containing money at the attacker.

“It was awful, and I was screaming, but I was not thinking I was going to die,” she said. “I just thought, how am I going to get out of this. When I saw the gun pointing at me I did not think, I am going to die, I thought right, I’ll scream more seriously.”

Meanwhile, a panic-stricken Mr Sawyer, injured with two bullet wounds, had also managed to escape, running to the deserted road and a hotel where the police were called.

Elisabeth eventually met up with the police and an ambulance who were making their way down the road from the hotel.

Police arrested a 23-year-old Costa Rican, Oscar Miranda, in connection with the crime. He was charged with aggravated robbery and assault.

“The police here have been fantastic and got him within a couple of days,” added Elisabeth.

She said Miranda was already serving a prison sentence at the time of the attack, but had been allowed out at weekends.

Elisabeth’s parents Doreen and Verdun Wake from Firth said that although they were deeply shocked at what had happened, they were relieved that the outcome was not more serious.

“We received a phone call from our daughter on Thursday, May 30 at around 11 pm. Elisabeth explained the incident calmly and was full of praise for the speed and intelligence with which the police acted.

“She said she is enjoying her teaching in the European School and in a multi-cultural centre, and greatly appreciates her colleagues and the many Costa Rican families who have befriended her. She intends to keep her contract until December and is very happy to stay.”

Mr Wake explained that their family had established links with Costa Rica through AFS, the American Field Service.

“We had a student from Costa Rica in 1998/99 and that is how our family became involved with the families over there.”

Their youngest son, Stephen also lives in the country. He is currently studying music at the National University and Mr Wake said both Stephen and Elisabeth found Costa Rica to be a very friendly and peaceable country.

“We feel happy with Costa Rica,” he said. “We have always thought it was one of the better countries for safety. Of course things like that could have happened anywhere. I would not want to give Costa Rica a bad press. It was just an unfortunate meeting and could have happened anywhere."