Dozens of bandits seize city, loot bank

RIODEJANEIRO » Dozens of gunmen armed with assault rifles invaded a city in southern Brazil overnight and took control of the streets as they assaulted a local bank. Video broadcast on the Globo television network showed hooded men dressed in black walking the streets of Criciuma in the state of Santa Catarina, and local residents being held hostage during the takeover, which began around midnight and lasted almost two hours. Shots echoed across the city of some 220,000 people. At least 30 assailants and 10 cars were involved in the well-planned operation, Anselmo Cruz, head of the state police’s robbery and kidnapping department, told a news conference, speaking alongside the governor and the mayor.