A 44-year-old soldier from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) was injured after trying to intervene during a robbery at a grocery store in Parnamirim, part of the Grande Natal area, on Wednesday afternoon. The soldier was rushed to the hospital for surgery, with concerns that his lung might have been punctured; however, his condition was reported to be stable. Two out of the three alleged assailants were arrested, both of whom were on electronic monitoring as a part of the prison system in Rio Grande do Norte.

During the incident, two of the criminals entered the grocery store and confronted the soldier along with a woman holding a baby. As the soldier attempted to resist, one of the assailants overwhelmed him, while the woman managed to escape outside with the child amidst the chaotic scene. Meanwhile, a third suspect approached the soldier's wife, who was waiting in a car outside, and threatened her with a weapon.

This violent episode highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, as incidents of armed robbery continue to pose risks not only for civilians but also for law enforcement and military personnel. The authorities are actively searching for the third assailant who remains at large, which raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of measures in place to monitor individuals released on probation or under surveillance due to previous offenses.