Thieves abandon stolen car after chase and police use helicopter to find them in Divinópolis; video
Two criminals triggered a police operation involving a helicopter after stealing a car in Contagem and fleeing to Divinópolis, where they remain at large.
On Monday, September 23, two criminals initiated a major police operation after stealing a car in Contagem, a city within the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Following the theft, the suspects fled toward Divinópolis, located in the central-western part of the state. In their attempt to escape, the suspects lost control of the vehicle, crashed it, and then abandoned the car, fleeing into a nearby forested area, evading capture for the time being. The stolen vehicle has since been recovered by authorities.
The incident prompted a large-scale mobilization by the Polícia Militar (Military Police), who set up a perimeter in the area to locate the fugitives. A helicopter was deployed as part of the search effort, assisting ground teams that were conducting searches through various terrains. The police are actively conducting ground sweeps throughout the region, utilizing both aerial and terrestrial resources to find the suspects.
As the search continues, concerns regarding public safety and the efficiency of police operations are on the rise. The authorities are focusing on apprehending the suspects quickly to prevent any further incidents. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in urban areas with quick access to forested regions, which criminals may exploit during their escape attempts.