Brazilian Army soldier arrested after fleeing barracks with rifle

Pedro Gabriel Bezerra do Nascimento, a Brazilian Army soldier, was arrested in Pernambuco after disappearing from his post during sentry duty last Saturday. The soldier fled the 7th Supply Depot in Recife, taking a 7.62mm caliber rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition.

According to the Northeast Military Command (CMNE), the soldier surrendered to the police in Paulista on Wednesday. His defense attorney stated that the soldier presented himself without the weapon or ammunition and claimed to have memory lapses regarding the incident. The soldier reportedly decided to surrender after seeing social media appeals from his mother and learning of the arrest of his pregnant girlfriend, who is suspected of assisting his escape.

The Army and public security agencies are continuing investigations to recover the missing firearm and ammunition. The soldier is currently being held at the 4th Army Police Battalion.