Driver who ran over pro-Lula protester told police he sped up for fear of aggression and did not provide assistance

The driver suspected of running over a protester during a pro-Lula event, in the center of Belo Horizonte, on Saturday night (17), told the Military Police (PM) that he accelerated the car for fear of attacks against his family, who accompanied him in the vehicle. The 45-year-old man fled without providing assistance, but was eventually located and arrested.

According to a report from a civil guard to the Military Police (PM), the suspect ran a red light and hit the 67-year-old victim. Then he accelerated and continued his journey. A video recorded the moment of the collision, at the intersection of Rua da Bahia and Rua Tupinambás (see above).

The driver, whose name was not released, was located by the police still on Rua da Bahia. He stated that, before the incident, participants in the demonstration threw water bottles and drink cans at the car, hitting his wife.