American tourist shot to death during robbery attempt in Colombia

BOGOTA – An American tourist has been shot to death in Colombia during an apparent robbery attempt after leaving his hotel in a wealthy enclave of Medellin.

Police say a 65-year-old New Yorker identified as John Mariani was assaulted Friday night when the taxi he was travelling was intercepted by gunmen in a chase vehicle and motorcycle.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Inside the dangerous world of Peru’s expendable cocaine backpackers

Police are offering a $16,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

A far cry from the 1980s when it was the headquarters of Pablo Escobar’s feared Medellin Cartel, Colombia’s second-biggest city has seen a tourism boom on the backs of a sharp reduction in crime. The New York Times featured it at No. 11 on its list of 52 places to go in 2015.

The U.S. Embassy had no immediate comment.