Feb 11 • 01:06 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Police chase cyclist suspected of robbery and assaults witness and journalist in São Paulo

A cyclist suspected of robbery in São Paulo was involved in a police chase that led to an assault on a witness and a journalist.

In São Paulo, a police chase involving a cyclist suspected of robbery escalated into violence on Tuesday evening. Witnesses reported that the cyclist narrowly escaped being hit by a bus while being pursued by officers from the Rocam, who attempted to corner him against the vehicle. The intense situation culminated in the cyclist falling off his bike, which was damaged in the altercation, and the police subsequently restrained him on the ground.

As the arrest unfolded, a witness named Mireya attempted to de-escalate the situation by advocating for calm, stating that the cyclist had already surrendered. Despite her pleas, a plainclothes officer reportedly pushed her away, showcasing a concerning dynamic between law enforcement and civilians during the incident. This altercation drew further attention not only to the actions of the police but also to the treatment of bystanders witnessing the event.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in urban policing in Brazil, particularly regarding the use of force and the treatment of individuals from vulnerable communities. It raises important questions about police accountability, appropriate use of force in apprehending suspects, and the impacts of such confrontations on public trust in law enforcement.

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