Chopper police shoot out getaway car's tyres

Police armed with automatic rifles have used a helicopter to chase an alleged drug dealer through the streets of Brazil before shooting out his car’s tyres in a dramatic arrest.

Footage from a camera apparently mounted to the head of one of the officers shows the black getaway ute speeding down a highway in Goias, reportedly trying to escape police after a drug deal.

In scenes that would mimic any cinematic thriller, the heavily-armoured officers balance on the side of the chopper and aim their weapons at the vehicle as its followed.

Eventually it is forced to slow down near a large turfed roundabout, and as the helicopter descends onto the makeshift landing pad shots are fired at the ute's tyres, bringing it to a complete stop.

The vehicle's driver is believed to have been arrested immediately afterwards.

There are few details attached to the footage, which was uploaded online by a support group for Brazilian police.

However it is not the first time the region's law enforcers have taken the rare move of shooting from a helicopter or dished out rough justice.

A motorist last year filmed officers gunning down a suspected thief in a terrifying shootout that brought traffic to a standstill.

Video on the same tribute site shows police routinely dishing out punishment to criminals, including hog-tying and throwing a man accused of breaking into a home on top of an ant mound.

Source: LiveLeak.