As many as 30 bank robbers pulled off a heist in southern Brazil late Monday using automatic weapons and explosives to battle police, according to reports.
The city of Criciúma saw the two-hour affair begin just after midnight, according to Reuters. Armed men reportedly took hostages while exchanging gunfire with police before fleeing in a “fleet” of getaway cars, Reuters reports. (RELATED: Brazilian President Who Recovered From COVID-19 Says He Won’t Get Vaccine)
Shooting started around midnight and lasted for over an hour. The target of the raid was the Banco do Brasil branch in Criciúma town center. Authorities have not specified how much money the gang managed to steal from the bank.pic.twitter.com/y0Jo76LpSa
— The Brazilian Report (@BrazilianReport) December 1, 2020
Two people are reportedly injured, one of which is a police officer. The robbers apparently left cash scattered throughout the streets as they made their getaway, which local residents were quick to begin collecting once the area was secure. (RELATED: Customer Who Stopped For Takeout In Philadelphia Takes Out Robber With Single Shot, Police Say)
Military police in the Santa Catarina state say that four people have been arrested for picking up the stolen cash that was scattered in the streets by an explosion. Authorities have gathered 810,000 Brazilian Reals ($152,660) in the aftermath of the attack, Reuters reports.