On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured a moment when a handbag thief was body-slammed by a jiu-jitsu expert.
A handbag thief’s attempt to escape was swiftly thwarted by a jiu-jitsu expert, who body-slammed him to the ground.
The dramatic moment was captured on CCTV and unfolded in Caraguatatuba, Brazil, on January 11.
How did the incident unfold?
Just now, on the X platform, a video captured an eye-catching moment showing instant karma for a handbag thief caught by a jiu-jitsu expert.
The video showed Lucas de Pádua Villegas, 39, had just dropped his elderly mother off at a shop when he heard someone shout, “Catch the thief!”
Without hesitation, Lucas sprang into action and ran across the street. There, he saw the thief running toward him.
Then, the moment the jiu-jitsu move stopped the thief left viewers shocked.
CCTV footage showed Lucas expertly scooping up the suspect and executing a double-leg takedown, slamming him back-first onto the pavement.
Lucas quickly immobilized the thief by placing his knee on the suspect’s chest and pinning his arms with his legs.
What was Lucas’s training in martial arts?
As the thief fled, Lucas observed him placing his hand on his waist. The suspect pretended to carry a weapon, but Lucas noticed the tightness of his clothes, revealing he was unarmed.
Unfortunately, the thief, Lucas, has been practicing martial arts since childhood.
Starting with taekwondo in 1998, he later studied karate, Muay Thai, and finally Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His extensive training prepared him for situations like this.
Lucas decided on the double-leg takedown as the best option to subdue the thief. He feared that throwing a punch might miss, giving the thief a chance to escape.
Once on the ground, Lucas secured the thief’s arm to prevent further movement.
While, the thief, a 27-year-old man, was taken to an urgent treatment center for medical attention.
Police later seized a machete, jewelry, and two mobile phones from his rucksack. He was remanded into custody on suspicion of robbing a jewelry store.
The video quickly went viral
The moment the jiu-jitsu expert defeated the handbag thief left viewers stunned and praising Lucas’s bravery. However, others were concerned about the damage Lucas could have faced.
One person said: I like the way abroad, the public will step in. Here, the police would be investigating the Jujitsu expert for possible assault and ABH.
A second wrote: good job not london as he would be charged with damaging his human rights and causing undo harm and distress to the handbag redistribution specialist.
While a third commented: I watched that several times, it’s so satisfying seeing these people get their comeuppance.
Good job this wasn’t Britain the so called ‘Police’ would have arrested the good guy and told the criminal he could keep his swag and claim compensation !
That is the best thing I have seen all day. Brilliant result. In short, the planet needs more people like that chap. Another added.