In Sao Paolo, Brazil, a dramatic event unfolded as a 21-year-old gunman, Elivelton Neves Moreira, attempted to rob a group of women and their young children outside a school.
CCTV footage shows Moreira pointing a .38 revolver at a school security guard, attempting to take the man’s wallet.
The situation took an unexpected turn when one of the mothers, 42-year-old Katia da Silva Sastre, revealed herself to be an off-duty military police officer. When the incident occurred, she was at the school with her seven-year-old daughter for a Mother’s Day party.
At this point, Sastre takes action, pulling her police-issue gun from her bag, loading it, and firing three shots at Moreira, hitting him in the chest and leg. Despite his injuries, Moreira managed to fire two rounds from his weapon before collapsing. The first bullet ricocheted off the ground without hitting anyone, and the second jam in his firearm.
Sastre then approached the injured robber, kicked his weapon away, and pinned him to the ground with her foot, all while waiting for backup and medical assistance to arrive. Moreira later died in the hospital due to his injuries.
Sastre, a mother of two and a police officer for over 20 years, explained that she acted quickly to defend the other mothers, children, and her own life. Her husband, military police lieutenant Andre Alves, praised her swift response and noted that it was fortunate she was faster than the robber.
Sao Paulo governor Marcio Franca formally commended Sastre for her bravery in a ceremony on Sunday. He presented her with flowers in honor of Mother’s Day and recognized her for her “dexterity, technique, and courage.”
The governor expressed regret over Moreira’s death. Still, he emphasized that it serves as a warning to those who use guns to commit crimes, as security professionals are well-trained to protect the public.
