Criminals use buses as barricades

Summary
Criminals blocked access to Galeão airport, in Rio, with buses used as barricades, but the road was reopened thanks to the action of the Prime Minister; the incident continues.

Two buses were used as barricades by criminals and blocked the only access to the Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão), in Rio de Janeiro, on the morning of Tuesday 16. The Military Police reported that agents of the 17th BPM (Ilha do Governador) worked to remove the buses and that the road is now open.

According to the Prime Minister, the obstruction of Estrada do Galeão occurred after the actions of agents of the Barbante Community, with the aim of stabilizing the area and removing the barricades. The incident is ongoing and there is no information on the suspects arrested for blocking access to the airport.

The Union of Bus Companies of the City of Rio de Janeiro (Rio Ônibus) reported that criminals took the keys of buses B28601 – 325 Ribeira x Castelo and B32771 – 910 Bananal x Irajá.

Also according to the Military Police, on Monday 15, an action by the same battalion also took place in the communities of João Telles, Pixunas and INPS, in the Bancários neighborhood, on Ilha do Governador. The operation aimed to ensure stability in the area for the subsequent removal of barricades and unblocking of roads.

As the teams entered, there was a confrontation with armed criminals. A suspect was injured and was immediately treated at the scene, with a tourniquet applied by the police themselves until help arrived. The individual was then transported to the Evandro Freire Municipal Hospital.

During the action, three criminals were arrested. Two rifles and two pistols were seized from them. The incident was recorded at the 37th Police Station, where the equipment remained seized.