Bizarre images from the Brazilian city of Araçatuba, where dozens of robbers robbed at least two banks and then used hostages as human shields. At least three people have been killed, police said.
CITY ISOLATED
According to the Brazilian police, at least 50 heavily armed robbers were involved. They arrived in Araçatuba early in the morning, after which they completely isolated the city by blocking roads to the centre. They did this, among other things, by setting cars on fire.
HUMAN SHIELD
The criminals used explosives to break into banks. They also attacked a police station. Explosions and shots could have been heard in the city for hours. After their act, the bank robbers would have fled with about ten cars.
Na fuga, os reféns foram amarrados nos veículos. Tentativa de impedir qualquer contra-ataque da polícia ao grupo. Deus guarde essas pessoas e todos de Araçatuba. Todas as agências bancárias do centro foram invadidas – informações preliminares. pic.twitter.com/lu0hBlcTCu
— Yuri Macri (@yurimacri) August 30, 2021
In order not to be attacked by the police, bystanders were overpowered and then used as human shields. Images circulating on social media show two getaway cars. On one car there is someone on the roof as well as on the hood. The other car has another hostage on the hood.
EXPLOSIVES LEFT BEHIND
10 Hostages used as HUMAN SHIELDS for #Brazilian bank robbers, at least 2 DEAD
Up to 50 gunmen armed with assau|t rif|es & b0mbs strapped 10 hostages to their getaway cars in the southern #Brazil city of Aracatuba Sunday night as they robbed several bank in the city pic.twitter.com/beuKaV6GeE
— 🇨𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫🇻𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫™☢️ ͬ ͤ ᷮ ͦ ͬ ͭ ᷤ (@Kaala_Nag) August 30, 2021
Police say at least three people have been killed. It would be two local residents and one robber. Two suspects have also been arrested. Mayor Dilador Borges has called on all residents to stay indoors and schools are also closed. For example, the robbers may have left explosives in various places in the city. They are now being tracked down by the police. It is unknown what exactly was stolen by the criminals.
Isso não pode ser real. Socorro Araçatuba pic.twitter.com/867R71GH3t
— Lucas Julioti (@JuliotiLucas) August 30, 2021
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