An armed robbery at the Manauara Shopping mall on December 14, 2023, has left the community reeling as details emerge from the chaotic event.
Early on Saturday morning, customers were enjoying their time at the mall when three armed criminals stormed the Vivara jewelry store, resulting in panic and urgency.
According to Colonel Vinicius Almeida of the Amazonas Public Security Secretariat (SSP-AM), the suspects made one woman act as a "human shield" during their escape. Footage captured the moment she was forced to run alongside one of the assailants, stumbling and falling as they fled. "A situação é a seguinte: no gerenciamento de crise, considerando aquele episódio como uma situação de escudo humano...,” he stated at the press conference.
Despite the dramatic circumstances, officials were quick to assure the public of their safety. Patrons inside the stores were kept secure as they awaited police intervention for nearly one hour. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among customers or staff during the ordeal.
The horror began when the criminals fired shots inside the jewelry store, prompting the initial response from nearby police officers who were already on duty for the Operation Natal, aimed at providing extra safety during the holiday season. Colonel Paiva detailed, "Esses policiais responderam à injusta agressão dos criminosos com técnica e tática policial...,” emphasizing the professional approach taken by the officers.
After the armed confrontation, the criminals fled the scene, carjacking another vehicle from the mall's parking lot. Witnesses recounted seeing the assailants speed off, abandoning the stolen car shortly after. They switched to motorcycles for their getaway as police pursued them through the streets.
The police have since recovered some of the stolen goods, with Captain Faustino of Rocam confirming, "Temos informações de que 3 indivíduos adentraram a joalheria... ." Their investigation has revealed the gang may be from outside the Amazonas state, possibly recruiting help locally.
One suspect was apprehended—identified as Clenilton Lima, 34, who attempted to inconspicuously hide next to a stream nearby, clutching stolen items. Colonel Almeida remarked, “É um cidadão contumaz na prática desses crimes que agora foi retirado de circulação...,” highlighting Lima's extensive criminal history.
The incident has raised alarm among the community, as shoppers initially fled to safety when the shots rang out, creating confusion and distress. Customers had to remain barricaded inside stores as the police managed the tense environment.
Authorities have emphasized the operation's swift response, asserting the commitment to ensuring community safety. With police pressuring recoveries and apprehensions, they remain vigilant for any additional suspects involved.
The successful recapture of some stolen items and the arrest of at least one suspect signify the efficiency and coordination of local law enforcement agencies. Investigations are currently underway to track down remaining members of the criminal group.
This alarming incident at Manauara Shopping serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime, creating consciousness among shoppers and concerns within the community. The city's law enforcement is working diligently to maintain order and prevent such occurrences from happening again.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity, ensuring mutual awareness as the investigation nets out remaining criminals who disrupted their calm Saturday morning.
