Handyman Accidentally Shot By Police After Making Ironic Statement

Helio Ribeiro, a supermarket Manager, was using a power drill on his balcony in a Rio de Janeiro slum well known as being a lawless area. The last thing he said to his wife was:

It’d be funny if they thought I was waving a gun around.

He was spotted by a police unit looking for drug gang members in his neighborhood and shot by a police marksman. He died after a bullet pierced his lung.

The officer involved has been charged with involuntary homicide and the state is promising compensation to his widow. Police argue that the drill looked like a Uzi machine gun.

No comment though on why the police sniper couldn’t discern a difference through his magnified scope.

[couriermail]