Ruan Carlos da Silva Morais, known as Cearense do Grau on social media, died at 18 after being shot by a military police officer in Maracanaú, Ceará. The incident happened during a chase involving him and his 16-year-old girlfriend on a motorcycle. Family members dispute the official police account.
The case drew attention on social media, where Ruan had over 300,000 followers. On Tuesday, November 25, Ceará's Military Police responded to a complaint and located the couple speeding in Maracanaú, a metropolitan area of Fortaleza.
According to the force, officers began a pursuit after the pair ignored a stop order. During the operation, Ruan allegedly fired at the police, prompting a response in self-defense. The chase ended when the motorcycle hit a curb, injuring both.
Ruan and his girlfriend were rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to gunshot wounds. The 16-year-old sustained moderate injuries from the fall and a shoulder wound. The PM's official statement frames the action as required to counter the threat.
Yet, friends and family question the police narrative. Ruan's mother posted online: “Gente, eu tô aqui no hospital e muito abalado com o que aconteceu. Não vou conseguir responder vocês. O momento é delicado demais e espero que vocês entendam. Eu só vi a foto dos policiais perto dele, ainda vou ver o que aconteceu, o motivo deles terem feito isso com ele. Ainda vou querer ouvir a namorada dele que está hospitalizada, que levou um tiro”. The incident underscores concerns over police encounters in the state.