Armed robberies in Rio de Janeiro

Recent incidents of armed robbery in Rio de Janeiro have resulted in injuries to both a local professional and a foreign tourist.

On September 22, vascular surgeon Harold Benjamin Aranibar was shot in the arm during a robbery in the Vila Isabel neighborhood. The attack occurred after a motorcyclist struck the side mirror of Aranibar’s armored vehicle, prompting the doctor to lower his window. Aranibar required surgery to install pins in his arm and faces a four-month recovery. He noted that he had previously purchased an armored vehicle to prevent such attacks.

On the same day, a 57-year-old German tourist, Vert Gesrsheler, was injured during an attempted robbery in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Two men on a cloned motorcycle approached a group of tourists, leading to a physical struggle. While audio from security footage indicates a shot was fired, investigators determined Gesrsheler’s head injury was caused by a fall during the confrontation. The suspects fled with a watch, and the Specialized Tourist Assistance Police Station is investigating the incident.