Sixth UPP police officer dies in Rio this year.
Soldier Wesley dos Santos da Silva Lucas, 30 years old, died during a shootout with criminals in the area known as Coração de Mãe, in Morro da Coroa, northern Rio de Janeiro. The soldier, stationed at the Coroa, Fallet and Fogueteiro Pacifying Police Unit (UPP), was hit by shots fired at the police and rushed to the Central Hospital of the Military Police, but did not survive. This is the sixth police officer death this year, in addition to 24 injured, in confrontations with criminals in so-called pacified areas.
Douglas Corrêa - Reporter for Agência Brasil
Soldier Wesley dos Santos da Silva Lucas, 30 years old, died this morning (12) during an exchange of fire with criminals, in the area known as Coração de Mãe, in Morro da Coroa, in Rio Comprido, north of Rio de Janeiro. The soldier - assigned to the Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) Coroa, Fallet and Fogueteiro - was hit by shots fired at the police and rushed to the Central Hospital of the Military Police, but did not survive his injuries. This year, it is the sixth death of police officers, in addition to 24 injured, in confrontations with criminals in so-called pacified areas.
In the operation, a couple was arrested with a 9mm automatic pistol and ammunition. Wagner Gabriel Ferreira and Ana Paula de Azevedo were charged with homicide and illegal possession of a firearm. The incident was registered at the 5th Police Station, Avenida Mem de Sá, in the city center.
Currently, the police are conducting investigations in the area where the shooting occurred and in the surrounding neighborhoods. The UPP contingent serving the Coroa, Fallet, and Fogueteiro communities has received reinforcements from other UPPs, the Tactical Intervention Group, and the Special Police Operations Battalion (BOPE).
Weslley Lucas had been with the corporation since March 2012, and in his current unit since January of this year. He leaves behind a wife and a 10-year-old son.