A top-flight footballer has been arrested after allegedly striking and killing an elderly man with his car.
Nicolas Bosshardt, a São Paulo defender, allegedly hit Paulo Rodrigues as he was crossing an avenue at around 9.53pm on Monday (3 August).
Firefighters took the 84-year-old victim to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
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Bosshardt was arrested at the scene and his car and mobile phone were seized for forensic examination.
A witness told police the 19-year-old footballer had been racing his BMW against a Honda Civic moments before the collision.
The witness said they saw both vehicles travelling at high speed along Alameda Rio Negro in Barueri, Brazil.
Both drivers admitted they had been travelling at high speed but claimed they had slowed down by the time they reached the spot where Paulo was struck.
They denied they were still racing when the collision occurred, as reported by Need To Know.
Footballers Ryan Francisco and Igor Teixeira Felisberto had been dining with Bosshardt at a restaurant beforehand.
Bosshardt, who also holds Swiss citizenship, said none of them had consumed alcohol before leaving the restaurant.
In his statement, the full-back also said he had an app installed on his phone that records his route and speed.
According to him, the app showed the BMW was travelling at 50km/h (31mph) when it struck Paulo. The collision was captured on CCTV.
Bosshardt appeared at a custody hearing yesterday (4 August) and was granted provisional release.
He must report to court every month, keep his address updated and notify the court before leaving his home city for more than eight days.
The court also suspended his right to drive, or barred him from obtaining a Brazilian driving licence, pending a further decision.
Police have registered the case as suspected participation in an illegal street race.
The investigation is ongoing.
São Paulo FC said in a statement: “Nicolas remained at the scene, assisted the victim and called the emergency services. He later attended the police station to provide the necessary statement.
“It was established that the player had not consumed alcohol and that his driving licence was valid.
“Nicolas gave a statement to the relevant authorities and was granted the right to respond to the proceedings while at liberty.
“São Paulo Futebol Clube deeply regrets what happened and extends its solidarity to the victim
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