GNR officer arrested after allegedly running over sister-in-law, and critically injuring child

A Portuguese GNR (National Republican Guard) officer has been arrested after allegedly deliberately running over his sister-in-law before brutally assaulting her 12-year-old granddaughter – leaving the child in a critical condition.

The attack took place late yesterday afternoon in Almeirim. Both victims were taken to Hospital de Santarém, where they remain. The 12-year-old is reported to be in a serious but stable condition, with her prognosis described as ‘reserved’.

According to information obtained by Correio da Manhã from GNR sources, the suspect, believed to be in his 50s, was detained by fellow GNR officers before being handed over to Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ).

CNN Portugal has a different version, saying the man ‘handed himself in, voluntarily, to Santarém Territorial Command, where he was arrested for offences to physical integrity and the running over of his sister-in-law.

The incident reportedly began during an argument with the sister-in-law (the wife of the suspect’s brother), who is also a GNR officer. She is described by CM as currently on long-term sick leave after a suicide attempt two years ago.

Investigators believe the suspect deliberately drove his car into the sister-in-law, and then allegedly got out to launch a violent assault on the 12-year-old (also described as his brother’s step-daughter).

Sources cited by Correio da Manhã said the suspect had no known history of psychiatric illness, although investigators are considering whether he may have suffered a mental health episode at the time of the attack.

The PJ have taken over the investigation – and are understood to be considering a charge/ charges of attempted murder – while the GNR has not yet issued a public statement on the incident.

It goes without saying that the local community remains in shock. As reports acknowledge, this marks one of the most serious alleged violent crimes involving a serving member of Portugal’s National Republican Guard in recent years

Source material: Correio da Manhã/ CNN Portugal

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.