Feb 23 • 13:12 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Man killed in robbery in São Gonçalo may have been mistaken for criminal, says witness

A man was shot and killed during a robbery confrontation on the BR-101, with a witness suggesting he was mistaken for one of the criminals by the police.

In a tragic incident on the BR-101 highway in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, a man named Alan de Souza Nascimento was shot and killed amid a robbery scenario involving armed criminals. Reportedly, the criminals were forcing drivers to block the road to prevent police access, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation on the highway. Witness accounts indicate that amidst this confusion, police officers mistook the vehicle carrying Nascimento and his colleagues for the robbers' car, leading to the unfortunate shooting.

Alan, who worked at a fast-food outlet in the Trindade neighborhood of São Gonçalo, was returning home with coworkers after a shift when the altercation occurred. It appears that he may have been caught in the crossfire or misidentified as part of the criminal group, raising serious concerns about how police operate in high-stress situations and the grave consequences of misidentifications. Witness testimony is crucial in understanding the sequence of events leading up to the fatal incident.

This incident sheds light on the broader issues of public safety and police conduct in Brazil, especially in areas prone to violent crime. As community members and authorities reflect on what happened, there are pressing discussions about accountability and the measures needed to avoid such occurrences in the future, emphasizing the need for better communication and protocols in handling robbery situations.

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