American tourist slain on sailboat in Venezuela

updated 4:51 a.m. ET Nov. 11, 2008

CARACAS, Venezuela - Police in Venezuela said an American tourist was shot and killed, and a friend wounded, in an apparent robbery attempt aboard a sailboat off the Caribbean coast.

The American was identified as 55-year-old Kenneth Dale Peters. His hometown was not immediately available. Authorities, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said he was shot by armed men who boarded his sailboat to rob him and his passengers Saturday night.

A police official said Peters apparently tried to defend himself with a gun and wounded one of the attackers, who got away.

Also wounded was a friend of Peters'. Police said he was recovering at a hospital.

Prosecutors said one suspect has been detained.

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