Rio de Janeiro police freed 17 hostages taken by gunman on bus
On March 12th, Brazilian police said that they released 17 hostages from a gunman who took over a crowded bus in Rio de Janeiro for three hours and wounded at least two people, The Associated Press reports
A Rio de Janeiro police spokesman stated that all hostages from a bus parked at one of the city's main terminals were released after negotiations with the gunman, who allegedly wanted to leave the city after receiving threats from one of the gangs. The gunman shot one of the hostages, whom he mistook for a policeman. The victim, in serious condition, was taken to the hospital.
“The bus was parked at the Sao Cristovao terminal in the city centre and was scheduled to head to the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais. Police cars and ambulances could be seen waiting near the bus, while thousands of passengers were stranded waiting for information on scheduled travel,” the publication reads.
People interviewed on television said they heard several gunshots, causing panic in the crowded terminal.
