A routine traffic dispute in the Mandacaru neighborhood of João Pessoa escalated into a shooting incident on Thursday, May 7th. A municipal employee from the city's Câmara Municipal had her vehicle struck by a bullet after an altercation with another driver, identified as Mário de Oliveira da Silva.
According to a judicial document from the Paraíba court detailing the suspect's custody hearing, the incident unfolded after the Military Police were called to the scene. The suspect allegedly pulled his vehicle alongside the victim's car, brandished a firearm, and discharged a single shot that hit her automobile.
Police officers involved in the case stated in the official process that the man confessed to the act at the time of his arrest. He reportedly told authorities that a prior traffic argument had motivated the confrontation. Despite the gunfire, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The weapon used in the crime, a legally registered Taurus 9mm pistol, was seized by police along with 17 rounds of ammunition. The suspect was initially arrested in flagrante delicto at the scene.
However, during the subsequent custody hearing, the presiding judge decided not to convert the arrest into a preventive detention order. The court's reasoning was based on a lack of sufficient elements to justify keeping the suspect in custody.
As a result, Mário de Oliveira da Silva was released from custody but is subject to several court-mandated precautionary measures. He must report to the Justice system monthly, cannot leave the judicial district for more than eight days without prior authorization, and is required to keep his address and contact information updated with authorities.
The g1 news outlet reached out to the Câmara Municipal of João Pessoa for a statement regarding the incident involving their employee. As of the last update to the original report, the municipal body had not provided a response.
Based on reporting from g1.