On Thursday, a couple utilizing an app-based car service in downtown São Paulo, specifically near the Municipal Market on Avenida do Estado, experienced a traumatic attempt at robbery in broad daylight. The incident was recorded by an in-car camera, revealing the frightening moment when a perpetrator approached the vehicle and smashed the rear window in an effort to snatch the passenger's cellphone. The attack occurred around 12:45 PM and was marked by significant panic among the passengers, particularly the woman, who screamed in response to the sudden violence.

Fortunately, the male passenger managed to hold onto his phone despite the assailant's efforts, which led the robber to flee without taking any belongings. Eyewitness accounts from app drivers frequently traveling through this stretch of Avenida do Estado indicate that such violent attacks are sadly becoming a regular occurrence in the area. Following the incident, the driver of the app car uploaded the video of the attempted robbery on social media, where it gained significant attention, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding safety for those using ride-hailing services in urban environments.

This incident underscores growing anxiety over public safety in urban centers like São Paulo, where citizens and visitors alike face the risk of violent crime even during the day. The viral nature of the shared video raises awareness of the issue, potentially prompting calls for increased security measures and police presence in high-risk areas. The collective alarm from both drivers and passengers using app services may encourage authorities to respond more decisively to the spate of crimes targeting vulnerable individuals in the city's transportation networks.