Heavily armed gang seizes Brazilian city, loot bank

Dozens of criminals armed with assault rifles invaded a city in southern Brazil overnight and took control of the streets as they launched an attack on a local bank branch. Video from residents that was broadcast on the Globo television network showed hooded men dressed in black walking the streets of Criciúma, in the state of Santa Catarina, and locals being held hostage. Shots rang out across the city. There were roughly 30 criminals in about 10 cars, and they blocked access points to the city to prevent police reinforcements from responding swiftly, the network reported. The takeover began around midnight and lasted roughly two hours. Two injuries were reported during the robbery. The city has a population of about 220,000.