Brazilian police kill suspect who held 13 children at knifepoint in school

SAO PAULO — Police neutralized a suspect who had taken at least 13 children hostage at knifepoint inside a Curitiba school, bringing an end to a violent siege that resulted in no injuries among the victims.

According to the spokesperson for the state police of Paraná, Leticia Martínez, the individual forced entry into a classroom and retained both pupils and staff as hostages for roughly two hours.

She indicated that she could not verify the manner of his death nor provide details regarding the ages of those involved.

(The suspect) also warned to spread gasoline over himself and passengers; negotiators were in position but found no alternative except to neutralize him,” reportedly declared Martínez, who declined to discuss any specific reason for his actions.

The incident took place in the middle‑class neighborhood of São‑Braz in Curitiba, a municipality of roughly 1.8 million inhabitants situated about 400 kilometres south of the metropolis of São Paulo.

Local television footage captured tears of parents standing outside the school while emergency negotiations continued; shortly after two explosions, police recovered several children to safety.

Curitiba City Hall released a statement assuring that the targeted children and school employees will receive psychological support following the crisis.

Source link