Brazil police thwart Rio car theft and arrest armed robber in Santa Catarina

On July 3, 2026, officers from Rio de Janeiro's 29th Police District, assisted by units from Bonsucesso and Marechal Hermes, intervened in Madureira during the second phase of Operation Torniquete. The police stopped two men on a motorcycle who were attempting to steal a vehicle. One suspect fired at the officers, was shot, arrested, and taken to a hospital. Police seized a loaded pistol, a mobile‑signal jammer and the stolen motorcycle.

In Navegantes, Santa Catarina, a joint operation by the Civil Police and the Military Police on May 2, 2026 resulted in the arrest of a 30‑year‑old man suspected of an armed robbery. The suspect entered a shop armed, stole 22 cell phones and struck the owner with blows to the head and left hand before fleeing. He has prior convictions for illegal firearm possession, robbery, drug trafficking and attempted homicide. After questioning, he was transferred to the Itajaí prison pending trial.