An off-duty police officer pulled a gun, pointed it at a kitesurfer and pulled the trigger twice during a beachside argument – but the weapon failed to fire.
Footage shows the pair trading insults on the shoreline while a young boy stood nearby.
During the confrontation, the shirtless man appeared to throw a punch at the kitesurfer before pulling what looks like a handgun from the waistband of his swim shorts.
READ MORE: Motorbike found dismantled and buried after brother and sister, 17 and 22, vanish in resort city
He then pointed it at the kitesurfer and appeared to pull the trigger twice as horrified onlookers screamed.
Fortunately, the weapon did not fire.
Police were called to Arubinha Beach in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, but by the time officers arrived, the suspect had already driven away.
He was later identified as an off-duty Civil Police officer – the same force now investigating the incident.
In a statement to investigators, the officer said the dispute began after one of a group of kitesurfers repeatedly carried out manoeuvres close to where his wife and children were in the water.
He claimed he asked the group to move away, but they continued, as reported by Need to know.
Believing his family was in danger, he said he went to his car, retrieved the gun and returned to confront the group.
He also claimed the gun was a toy.
Civil Police have not said whether the weapon has been seized or forensically examined, but confirmed that everyone involved has been identified and is being questioned.
Kitesurfing is permitted at the beach, although safety guidelines recommend that riders stay at least 50 metres away from swimmers and other beachgoers.
READ MORE: Mystery as fishermen catch hammerhead shark with huge bite on body
