Robbers escape with hostages atop cars in Brazil bank heist

By DAVID BILLER
Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Bank robbers armed with explosives and high-powered rifles plunged a city in Sao Paulo state’s interior into terror, taking civilians hostage and even putting some on their cars while making their escape. Video shared on social media showed a booming shootout on Monday and men dressed in black marching hostages down a street in Araçatuba, 520 kilometers (323 miles) from Sao Paulo. After ransacking at least two bank branches, the criminals drove off with hostages lying on their cars’ roofs and hoods. Another hostage stood with his torso protruding from an SUV’s sunroof and his hands held in the air. At least three people were killed.