By Contributing Reporter
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – A video broadcast on social networks shows a couple of cart wagon drivers being assaulted by two policemen on Tripoli Street, in Vila Leopoldina, West Zone of São Paulo.
The State Police announced through their press office, that these officers had been removed from their positions and that there had been “flagrant non-compliance with protocol” — read more below.
In the recording, it is possible to see the policemen punching and kicking the wagon driver. The woman was also attacked with kicks and pushed while the policemen tried to immobilize the driver.
A witness who prefers to remain anonymous said that the wagon driver, Marcelo Partes Bueno, had left the wagon on the ramp of Dia supermarket parking lot while shopping there.
A client then trying to park asked Marcelo to move the wagon off the ramp. He pulled the wagon and then left it behind the client’s car.
Further, according to the witness, before entering the supermarket, the woman promised to give the couple some money. But upon her return, she failed to give them the money and asked them to move the wagon, which they refused.
As a result, she called the police. In a note, the state police reported that the officers who took part in the incident were suspended until the investigation is completed:
“The State Police clarifies that the occurrence, disclosed by a video that was distributed on social networks, is being investigated by the Inspector General’s Office through a police inquiry. The policemen who were part of the case were removed from service until the conclusion of investigations. Preliminarily, this police action occurred after the deployment of the patrol by people complaining of an unstable individual, creating havoc in the area. During the attempted approach, there was resistance and the use of force. However, the procedure suggests a flagrant violation of the standard operating protocols for approach, which prompted the officers’ immediate removal and the start of legal procedures for the investigation.”
The State police officers have filed an occurrence report against the wagon driver. On Saturday, after the commotion, he was arrested in the act and will respond to charges of extortion, resisting arrest, and contempt of authority.
On Sunday, June 16th, the wagon driver was released after attending the initial hearing.