A 28-year-old military police officer, Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin, lost his life in an approach to a fugitive on the afternoon of August 15, 2026, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, in the south of Espírito Santo. The soldier, who dreamed of moving up in the corporation and starting his own family, was shot in the head by Luan de Oliveira Cleto, 25 years old, who was also killed by another police officer who was taking part in the action.
The tragedy shocked colleagues and friends, who described Paulo Henrique as an example of loyalty and dedication. A friend, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that the young police officer was “more than just a brother in uniform”, highlighting the positive mark he left on everyone around him.
The confrontation took place in the São Luiz Gonzaga neighborhood, close to a bar. During the arrest attempt, Luan attacked the soldier, managed to disarm him and fired a fatal shot at the PM’s head.
Interrupted dreams: Paulo Henrique’s life and his plans
Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin had great aspirations for his personal and professional life. He aspired to become a Military Police officer, a goal that demonstrated his commitment and passion for his career. Furthermore, the young soldier wanted to build a family, plans that were tragically interrupted.
Paulo Henrique’s friend, who met him during the training course for soldiers, revealed that they both shared the ambition of seeking “greater things” within the corporation. This motivation was a constant in the police officer’s life, who dedicated himself intensely to his goals.
Belonging to the 9th Battalion, Paulo Henrique had graduated from the PM class of 2025. He maintained a healthy lifestyle, with a passion for road running, and was active on social media, where he shared his daily life. Recently, he had returned to studying with full focus on the CFO exam (Officer Training Course) and started a romantic relationship.
“Seeing how all this happened is unbelievable”, lamented the colleague, when remembering Paulo Henrique’s recent steps towards his dreams.
Goodbye and commotion in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
The news of Paulo Henrique’s death generated a wave of commotion. The soldier’s family, in deep mourning, chose not to speak publicly. The wake was held at the PM Battalion, in Cachoeiro, from the early hours of August 16, 2026, with a massive presence of colleagues in uniform, friends and family who came to pay their last respects.
After the wake, the soldier’s body was taken in a Fire Department car to the Airport cemetery, where he was buried. In recognition of their sacrifice, the state government declared three days of official mourning, marking the loss of one of its security agents.
One of Paulo Henrique’s colleagues expressed the impact of the loss, stating that the soldier “will be greatly missed” and that his example of life should be followed by everyone. The friend also described the shock upon learning about the incident via WhatsApp, when he learned that the incident involved Paulo Henrique.
The dynamics of the approach and the fatal confrontation
The Civil Police and witnesses reported the details of the approach that ended in the soldier’s death. The police action took place in a bar in the Gonzaga neighborhood, when Luan de Oliveira Cleto, who was the target of the operation, surprised soldier Paulo Henrique.
The fugitive allegedly advanced against the police officer, starting a physical fight. At this critical moment, Luan managed to steal the PM’s gun and fired a point-blank shot at the soldier’s head.
Immediately, another police officer who was following the approach reacted, shooting and killing Luan. Nearby residents, upon realizing the seriousness of the situation, acted quickly to help Paulo Henrique, placing him in a police vehicle.
On the way to the hospital, the team faced an unforeseen event when the vehicle’s tire went flat. With the help of other people, the police officer was transferred to a second vehicle and rushed to Santa Casa de Cachoeiro, where unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries and was confirmed dead by the Battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Nerio Filho.
Profile of the aggressor: fugitive with an open arrest warrant
Luan de Oliveira Cleto, the gunman who took the life of soldier Paulo Henrique Carvalho Faccin, was a criminal with a history of escaping justice. He was on the run from the prison system and had an outstanding arrest warrant.
Authorities reported that Luan still had three years and ten months to serve when he confronted the police. Its legal situation adds a layer of complexity and risk to the approach that culminated in the tragedy.
After Luan’s death during the police intervention, his body was taken to the Regional Legal Medicine Section (SML) of the Scientific Police, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. At the scene, autopsy procedures were carried out before the body was released to its relatives, in accordance with Civil Police protocol.
