Fake robbery prank ends in shooting at São Paulo car dealership

A practical joke ended in gunfire at a car dealership in São Paulo, Brazil, after two car wash employees allegedly staged a fake robbery without realizing an off-duty civil police officer was inside the business.

According to Brazilian authorities, the two men arrived at the dealership on a motorcycle and announced what appeared to be a robbery. Police said one of the individuals also pretended to be armed, prompting the off-duty officer to believe the threat was real.

The officer responded by firing multiple shots, striking both men.

Authorities later determined that the pair, aged 21 and 36, worked at a nearby car wash that serviced the dealership and had been attempting to prank coworkers. Investigators say the officer was unaware it was a practical joke at the time of the shooting.

After realizing what had happened, the officer reportedly called emergency services, provided first aid and remained at the scene until paramedics arrived.

Both men were transported to hospital conscious but in serious condition. According to local reports, one sustained a gunshot wound to the chest while the other was shot in the abdomen.

The incident has been registered as bodily injury resulting from police intervention and self-defense. Brazil’s Civil Police Internal Affairs division is reviewing the case, including security camera footage, as part of the ongoing investigation.

Video coverage of this incident is available on the BuzzinOnlineNews Instagram page (@buzzinonlinenews).