German tourist injured during robbery attempt in Rio de Janeiro

A German tourist, 57-year-old Vert Gesrsheler, was injured during an attempted robbery in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, September 22. The incident occurred around 2:12 p.m. on Rua Dias de Barros when two men on a cloned motorcycle approached a group of tourists.

Security footage captured the confrontation, which began when members of the tourist group attempted to intervene. During a physical struggle with one of the suspects, Gesrsheler fell and struck his head on the pavement. While initial reports from the Military Police suggested he had been hit by a graze from a gunshot, investigators clarified that the head injury was caused by the fall. However, audio from the footage indicates a shot was indeed fired during the encounter.

The suspects fled the scene on the motorcycle with a watch valued at 100 euros, leaving behind a cell phone and a helmet. Gesrsheler was taken to the Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital, where he received six stitches for his head wound and was discharged the same day. The Specialized Tourist Assistance Police Station is investigating the case, and the Military Police are conducting searches to locate the suspects.