Régis Pitbull, a former football player known for his stints with Corinthians and Vasco, was arrested on March 25, 2025, after violently assaulting a 69-year-old man, José Amilton, in an elevator at their shared apartment complex in São Paulo. The incident, captured on security cameras, revealed Régis delivering a headbutt followed by two punches, resulting in the elderly man's loss of three teeth.
The altercation reportedly began when Amilton noticed Régis behaving aggressively by kicking the elevator door—an action that drew rebuke from the victim, who serves as the building's sub-manager. Frustrated by the admonishment, Régis retaliated violently, prompting the 69-year-old to seek police assistance and file a formal complaint against him.
The horrifying attack underscores a series of ongoing issues between Régis and fellow residents, as neighbors describe him as a troublesome individual who often engages in confrontations. It's worth noting that Régis has been under an eviction order for 20 years, yet remains a resident of the building.
Régis, who is currently 48 years old, has faced significant personal struggles, particularly a long-term battle with drug addiction, specifically crack cocaine. This issue is further complicated by his repeated attempts to overcome his addiction, including a rehabilitation stint in 2021 with the assistance of former footballer Walter Casagrande. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Régis has yet to achieve lasting recovery.
On the day of the incident, the police were alerted at 11:25 a.m. to respond to the conflict. Upon arrival, they found José Amilton injured and in need of medical evaluation. The injuries inflicted—three lost teeth—were serious enough that Régis was charged with aggravated bodily harm. Following his arrest, he is required to attend a custody hearing scheduled for March 26, 2025.
As the former player faces legal repercussions, the wider community is left to reckon with the implications of his actions. The ongoing challenges Regis poses in the residential building, like aggressive behavior toward other tenants, indicate that more than just legal consequences might be necessary to address his personal issues and ensure the safety of those around him.
This incident not only highlights an individual tragedy but also sheds light on the broader systemic issues related to addiction, housing instability, and community safety. As Régis Pitbull prepares to face the court, it remains to be seen how both he and the residents of the Pirituba community will navigate the uncertain road ahead.
