Suspect arrested in Progreso fatal stabbing of Canadian man

Other foreign residents are unnerved, want more attention from police

The killing of a foreign resident in Progreso has friends upset. Photo: SSP

Progreso, Yucatan — A suspect has been arrested in the stabbing death of a Canadian man living in the port city, police said.

A man, nicknamed “El Pelón,” is thought by police to be the perpetrator of the crime, according to authorities. His real name was not announced.

The victim, Bruce Allen, 70, was well-known and well-liked in Progreso’s expat community, social media comments indicate.

“He was a kind person … apparently he had no problems with anyone,” said a neighbor, also a native of Canada.

Meanwhile, neighbors have taken issue with media reports depicting the killing as a “crime of passion.”

Friends of the deceased told Progreso Hoy that the victim, who had rented an apartment on Calle 25, between 42 and 44, was assaulted and robbed. Police implied an overnight guest might have gotten into an argument with Allen sometime Friday morning.

Allen was a retiree from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, living in Progreso for several years with his long-time partner.

Progreso’s community of foreign, mostly English-speaking residents complained to the newspaper that they feel little security is offered them despite the economic boost their presence provides.

Several Canadian and U.S. residents indicated that state and municipal governments have virtually overlooked coastal expat communities, leaving them open to assaults, robberies and fraud.

A language barrier between residents and authorities is a sticking point, one resident told Progreso Hoy.

The Gulf Coast is particularly popular with residents from more northern climbs who seek to escape cold winters. But many stay all year long and are permanent residents.

Another interviewee, estimating that more than 5,000 foreigners live along the coast at least six months a year, said the community provides more economic benefits locally than cruise ship tourists.

Several businesses, particularly restaurants, have risen thanks to foreign residents. Laundries, cleaners and other service businesses have also benefited, the resident said.

But the government devotes more time and resources to day trippers who leave comparatively little money behind, at the expense of foreign residents who spend money here daily, the unnamed resident added.

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