Cop shot in head with his own gun

CACHOEIRO DE ITAPEMIRIM, ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 15, 2026 28-year-old police officer Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin suffered a gunshot wound to the head after a suspect took his service pistol during a struggle and then shot him with it. The officer was taken to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident took place in the São Luiz Gonzaga neighborhood, where police were searching for 25-year-old Luan de Oliveira Cleto, who was wanted after escaping from prison. According to Brazilian media reports, police officers Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin and his colleague, identified as Grola, had information that Luan was on Rua Olavo Bilac. They subsequently found a man matching his description near a local bar and attempted to check him.

Luan de Oliveira Cleto

According to the police report, Luan de Oliveira Cleto began fighting with the officers during the encounter. During the struggle, he managed to take the officer’s weapon. He then allegedly fired the stolen pistol twice, with one of the shots striking the officer in the head.

Luan de Oliveira Cleto then attempted to flee the scene. According to police, he also fired toward the second officer, Grola, while escaping. The officer returned fire and struck the fleeing man. Luan died at the scene. His body was later taken to the forensic medical facility in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim for an autopsy.

Meanwhile, the injured Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin was transported in critical condition to Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. Despite the doctors’ efforts, he died.

Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin was a member of the 9th Military Police Battalion and was among the youngest members of the force. He completed his training in November 2025. According to later reports, he aspired to continue his career and become an officer. His friends described him as a dedicated and hardworking person who also wanted to start a family.

Luan de Oliveira Cleto had an extensive criminal record. According to Brazilian media, his record included offenses related to drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, robbery, threats, and other crimes. His first recorded entry into the prison system dates back to 2019. In 2022, he escaped from prison and was later recaptured after reoffending.

His next escape is reportedly dated December 17, 2024. According to a former military police commander, Luan de Oliveira Cleto took advantage of temporary Christmas release and subsequently failed to return to prison. He had been considered a fugitive ever since.

At the time of the confrontation, police records indicated that he still had 3 years, 10 months, and 8 days remaining on his sentence. His case also included a conviction related to drug trafficking under Brazil’s anti-drug law.