
On June 13, 2024, a cell phone store in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, became the site of a dramatic robbery attempt that ended in gunfire. A 23-year-old man entered the store, wearing a helmet and brandishing a .38 caliber revolver, demanding money from the store owner. The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 PM in the Uvaranas neighborhood. The store owner, who was present with his wife at the time of the attempted robbery, immediately responded by pulling out his own licensed firearm, a 9mm pistol.
In the security footage, the suspect can be seen approaching the counter and threatening the store owner and his wife. As the tension escalated, the store owner fired six shots at the suspect, striking him five times. The suspect, critically injured, fell to the ground and remained incapacitated. Despite the severity of his injuries, emergency services arrived quickly, and the suspect was transported to the University Hospital of the Universidad Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), where he was treated and later stabilized.
The store owner acted in self-defense, and authorities swiftly confirmed the legality of his actions. The police chief, Lucas Andraus, stated that the businessman’s actions were justified under Brazil’s self-defense laws, which allow individuals to protect themselves when faced with imminent danger. The suspect, who had a prior criminal record, including drug trafficking, was charged with attempted robbery. He remains under police custody while recovering at the hospital.
The suspect’s revolver, which had its serial number scratched off, was confiscated for forensic analysis, as was the store owner’s pistol, which was part of routine investigative procedures. Police also discovered a motorcycle nearby, believed to be the suspect’s intended getaway vehicle.
This incident stirred discussions about self-defense laws in Brazil, with many praising the businessman for his quick response in a life-threatening situation. Although the robbery could have ended in tragedy, the fact that the suspect survived and is now facing legal consequences underscores the importance of preparedness and lawful gun ownership in protecting both life and property.
Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities are not expected to press any charges against the store owner, as his actions were deemed a legitimate response to the danger posed by the armed robber. The incident has become a point of reflection for business owners across Brazil, many of whom face similar security risks daily.
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