- Robbers accost two Peace Corps volunteers, says a source
- One fought back, killing one of the assailants, the source says
- The U.S. State Department says it is providing consular assistance
Accra, Ghana (CNN) -- A U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in northern Ghana stabbed and killed a suspected robber, the police officer investigating the case said Monday.
The volunteer, identified by the Ghanaian officer as 26-year-old Andrew Kristler, was with another Peace Corps volunteer early Saturday morning in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region. They were accosted by two alleged assailants, according to the officer, who was not authorized to speak on the record.
A struggle ensued and Kristler stabbed one of the assailants in the chest, killing him, the officer said. The volunteer sustained wounds to his shoulder and hand.
Police discovered the body of the alleged assailant early Saturday morning; the other attacker remains at large.
U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell addressed the incident on Monday.
"We can confirm that two Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana were the victims of a crime in the early hours of Saturday, July 14. Contrary to media reports, they are not being detained at this time. The matter is under investigation by Ghanaian officials. We are closely monitoring the situation and are providing consular assistance," he said.
According to the investigating officer in Ghana, Kristler is required to check back in with police next week.
