Police Officer Maurício Dantas Killed in Shooting During Ilhéus Operation

Maurício Dantas dos Santos, a military police officer with the Rondesp Sul tactical unit, was fatally shot while conducting a traffic stop of two men on a motorcycle in the rural zone of Ilhéus, Bahia. The incident occurred on the night of 26‑27 April as the officers returned from a security operation for the local patron saint festival. Dantas was hit in the rib area, rescued by fellow officers and taken to Hospital Regional Costa do Cacau, where he suffered three cardiac arrests before dying.

Following the officer’s death, Rondesp Sul launched a manhunt for the attackers. Two suspects were located later that night, were also shot, taken to a health unit and died. Police continue to search for a third suspect, known by the nickname “Pulf,” who is believed to have fired the fatal shot.