Brazil police mistake Bible for gun and kill man

28 December 2012 - 18:22 By Sapa-AP
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
The Bible. File photo
The Bible. File photo
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

Law enforcement officials say a police officer in southeastern Brazil shot and killed a garbage collector after mistaking the Bible he was carrying for a gun.

State Police Major Mauricio Jose Raimundo Friday told reporters that Antonio Marcos dos Santos was stopped by police as he was heading to church in the city of Avare. When he raised his hands a police officer saw a bulge in his pocket and thinking it was a weapon opened fire.

The police officer will remain in detention pending the outcome of an investigation.

The incident occurred Wednesday evening.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now