Rio Police seize weapons after death of BOPE sub-officer

The Capital Homicide Police Station (DHC) is investigating the death of the sub-lieutenant of the Special Police Operations Battalion (Bope), Glaucio Marcelo Fonseca da Silva, aged 54, in an exchange of gunfire with soldiers from the Jacarepaguá battalion, southwest zone of Rio de Janeiro, in the early hours of this Sunday (11).

In a statement, the Rio Civil Police say that Bope agents were approaching the occupants of a car in Beco do Saci, in Gardênia Azul, when they were mistaken for criminals by police officers from the Jacarepaguá battalion. According to the corporation, the place is poorly lit, the agents did not identify their colleagues and ended up starting an exchange of gunfire.

In the shooting, five Bope soldiers and one from the Jacarepaguá unit were injured. Sub-Lieutenant Glaucio da Silva arrived dead at Lourenço Jorge Municipal Hospital, in Barra da Tijuca, where the other injured were also taken.

According to the Civil Police, the military police officers involved gave statements at the unit, the weapons used were seized for forensic examination and the images from the body cameras were requested.

In the note from the elite troop, the 26 years of dedication given to the corporation by sub-lieutenant Glaucio da Silva were highlighted. "In this moment of pain, BOPE sympathizes with your family and friends, expressing sincere condolences and wishing you strength and comfort to face this irreparable loss."

Glaucio leaves three children: two daughters, aged 30 and 19, and a son, aged 7.

Of the five injured soldiers, two left the hospital on the same day, after receiving medication and two others were hospitalized, but out of danger.