Drivers report a dragnet on Avenida Brasil (RJ); see video

Drivers passing through Avenida Brasil this Tuesday morning (23) reported, via social media, robberies near Deodoro, in the West Zone of Rio, at the access to Transolímpica.

In one of the videos shared on the internet, a driver appears saying “Everything stopped, everything stopped! Look at the people running, look there”, warns the man. Soon after, a woman appears on the Avenida Brasil lane, running in the opposite direction of the cars. The man asks: “what’s up, mate, is it a dragnet?” The woman responds: “more than ten armed men with hoods”. Other people appear outside their vehicles and motorbikes appear going the wrong way.

According to the Military Police, agents from the Expressway Police Battalion (BPVE) were informed of robberies in the region. Police officers went to the scene and found two victims who had their vehicles stolen and a third victim who had their belongings taken, including their car keys. The police took the victims to the 33rd DP (Realengo), where the case was registered. The PM also stated that policing has been intensified in the region.

Insecurity on Avenida Brasil

Avenida Brasil is one of the main roads in the capital Fluminense, which connects the Center of Rio to the West Zone, cutting through several neighborhoods in the North Zone and serving as access to highways. Despite its importance, the violence on the avenue draws attention.

On Christmas Eve, the road was the scene of a shootout between military police and criminals, near Bonsucesso, in the North Zone. According to the PM, BPVE agents spotted a suspicious car leaving Complexo da Maré. A stop order was ordered and the suspects shot at the police. There was a clash and nine people were injured.