Student Dragged by Car During Robbery in Porto Alegre; Two Suspects Arrested

A 23-year-old student was dragged by a car during a robbery in the Menino Deus neighborhood of Porto Alegre on Thursday, November 2nd. She had just left a therapy session and was approaching her parked car when two assailants opened her door and demanded she exit. The student recounted that she reacted impulsively, attempting to prevent them from taking her vehicle. As police on motorcycles approached, she held onto the door handle and called for help, but the assailants sped off, dragging her for several meters. She eventually let go, fearing she would be run over. During the escape attempt, the suspects drove in reverse towards the police, injuring a police officer who was lightly wounded. The student, who suffered abrasions and bleeding, was taken to the Hospital de Pronto Socorro (HPS) and later released. She expressed that her physical recovery is ongoing, with knee pain and swelling, and anticipates a longer psychological recovery, stating she will view the Menino Deus neighborhood and Porto Alegre with more caution. Two suspects were apprehended: an 18-year-old was shot in the hand by police and detained after seeking medical attention, while a 25-year-old fled with the victim's car but was later located and arrested. The victim's car and recovered belongings were returned to her. The police believe the car was intended for use in another crime. Despite the incident, the student advised others not to resist robberies, emphasizing her own luck and the potential for a worse outcome. The Civil Police consider the case isolated, noting a decrease in vehicle thefts in Porto Alegre over the past 10 months.