Piauí’s most sought-after criminal, Antônio Flávio dos Santos Mendes, 30, was apprehended by Ceará Military Police (PMCE) on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. His arrest followed an attempted homicide incident in Boa Viagem, an inland municipality of Ceará state.
Mendes, a key target on the Ministry of Justice and Public Security’s (MJSP) national “Captura” program list, was among Piauí’s eight most dangerous individuals. He faced a temporary arrest warrant for drug trafficking.
Police quickly moved in after encountering a public disturbance that escalated into a violent confrontation, leading to the capture of the high-profile fugitive.
High-profile fugitive’s capture
The apprehension began around 11:00 AM when a 4th Battalion team from the PMCE was conducting routine patrols in Boa Viagem. Officers observed a commotion in a public area, prompting them to investigate further. As they approached, the gravity of the situation became clear: an attempted homicide was actively underway, with one victim already sustaining gunshot wounds.
Upon identifying the ongoing crime, law enforcement officers swiftly intervened. The suspects involved in the shooting immediately attempted to flee the scene on a motorcycle, initiating a brief but intense pursuit. Antônio Flávio dos Santos Mendes was cornered and successfully captured by the patrolling unit.
Details of the police operation
During the swift police action, authorities recovered several crucial items directly linked to the incident and the suspect. These included a 9mm caliber pistol loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, confirming the weapon used in the attempted homicide.
Officers also confiscated a cell phone and the motorcycle utilized by the suspects in their attempt to evade arrest. These items are considered vital evidence in the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
Following his capture, Antônio Flávio dos Santos Mendes, along with all the seized items, was transported to the Regional Police Station in Boa Viagem. There, a formal police report (Boletim de Ocorrência) was registered, detailing the attempted homicide and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The “Captura” program initiative
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) launched its comprehensive “Captura” program on December 8, 2025, just one day prior to Mendes’s arrest. This nationwide initiative aims to identify, locate, and apprehend 216 of the country’s most dangerous fugitives, each considered a high-priority target due to their extensive criminal histories and potential for further harm.
Under the program’s guidelines, each Brazilian state nominated eight priority targets, carefully selected through a rigorous risk matrix. This evaluation criteria assesses multiple factors, including the severity of their crimes, their known involvement with organized criminal organizations, the existence of multiple outstanding arrest warrants, and evidence of interstate criminal activities. Antônio Flávio dos Santos Mendes was specifically included on this national list as one of Piauí’s top eight most dangerous criminals. Following his capture, his image and profile were promptly removed from the MJSP’s public platform, signaling a successful outcome for the program.
Piauí’s priority target
Mendes’s inclusion on the federal list underscored the significant threat he posed to public safety, not only within Piauí but potentially across state lines. His designation as one of the state’s eight most dangerous criminals highlighted a consistent pattern of illicit activities that had made him a prime target for law enforcement.
The temporary arrest warrant for drug trafficking further illustrated his deep involvement in serious criminal enterprises. This background, combined with other factors assessed by the MJSP’s risk matrix, cemented his status as a high-value target whose capture was a priority for state and federal agencies alike.
Collaboration and public safety
The “Captura” program emphasizes enhanced inter-state information exchange, fostering a more unified approach to tracking and apprehending dangerous fugitives nationwide. This collaborative framework allows police forces from different states to share intelligence and coordinate operations more effectively.
Crucially, the initiative actively encourages public participation, recognizing the vital role citizens can play in enhancing public safety. Anonymous tips from the community are a cornerstone of the program, providing invaluable leads that often prove instrumental in solving complex cases.
Citizens wishing to report suspicious activities or provide information on wanted individuals can do so confidentially through the national emergency numbers: 190 and 197. This mechanism ensures that the public can contribute to law enforcement efforts without fear of exposure.
The continued success of programs like “Captura” relies heavily on the synergy between dedicated police work and informed community engagement, reinforcing the idea that public safety is a shared responsibility.
Impact of coordinated police action
The apprehension of Antônio Flávio dos Santos Mendes serves as a clear example of the effectiveness that results from coordinated police efforts. This operation, combining diligent patrol work with intelligence-driven targeting, removed a significant threat from the streets.
