US tourist falls victim in Rome

An elderly Hungarian-born American tourist from California died in Rome this past weekend, after being hit by a train. Seventy four year old Frank Phel and his wife were in the vicinity of a train station in the suburb of Tiburtina when they were offered a cappuccino laced with drugs from a man. After drinking the coffee, the couple lost consciousness and the perpetrator used the opportunity to rob the tourists of their money and valuables.

Once the American tourist began to regain consciousness, he accidently walked onto the tracks in a daze, and was hit by an on-coming train. Frank Phel died at the scene. The crime was recorded on CCTV cameras at the station’s cafe and Italian police were able to catch the perpetrator. Italian police spokesperson Giovanni Piccolantonio pointed out that the crime occurred on Friday, but authorities were able to apprehend the perpetrator within a matter of 24 hours. While the Associated Press first reported on this story earlier today, thus far there has been no word on the fate of Mrs. Phel.

Tourists are always well advised not accept any drinks or snacks offered by strangers when they are travelling. It is not uncommon for criminals to target visitors in major European cities, and elsewhere, by appearing to befriend them and by offering to pay for a drink. The drink, however, is often laced with a sedative, thus giving the perpetrator the opportunity to rob the hapless tourists.