In a dramatic turn of events, authorities in Caruaru, Pernambuco, have successfully located and seized the vehicle belonging to lawyer Fernanda Ferreira de Souza. The car was at the center of a violent incident where she allegedly dragged a court official on its hood. The seizure occurred on Thursday night, concluding a search that began after the shocking event on April 28.
According to the Civil Police, the vehicle was discovered at the home of the suspect's boyfriend. It was concealed under a tarpaulin, showed multiple signs of damage, and was missing one of its license plates. The operation was carried out by teams from the 89th Police Station of Caruaru, acting on a warrant issued by the Jury Court of the local district.
The car is now set to undergo a thorough forensic examination by the Institute of Criminalistics and will remain at the disposal of the Judiciary. This seizure is a critical piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation against Fernanda, who faces serious charges including attempted homicide, disobedience, and dangerous driving.
The incident itself unfolded on April 28 when a court official and a faithful depository arrived in the Salgado neighborhood to execute a search and seizure order for the vehicle. After the official identified himself and presented the judicial order, the lawyer reportedly stated she needed to make a phone call and stepped away. Moments later, she entered the car and attempted to flee the scene.
During her escape attempt, the faithful depository, Rodolfo Morais de Gusmão, was struck and forced to cling to the car's hood as it moved. The court official, Marcones Alves Feliciano, was also injured in the confrontation. The victims sustained minor physical injuries and significant psychological trauma, according to the Police delegate handling the case.
Following the incident, police launched a manhunt for the lawyer, who was not immediately found. She remained silent during her arrest and did not reveal the location of the hidden vehicle. The car itself was already subject to another search and seizure warrant from the 2nd Civil Court of Caruaru, which had previously been unexecuted due to the owner's violent resistance.
In a separate legal development on the same Thursday, the Justice of Pernambuco granted the lawyer house arrest. This came after her temporary detention was converted to preventive imprisonment earlier in the week, with orders for her to be sent to the Buíque Prison. Under the previous ruling, she was to be held in a 'State Major' room, a legal provision for detained lawyers.
Based on reporting from g1.