A 40-year-old man was killed after attempting to attack his former partner with a hatchet in the city of Ponte Nova, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The incident occurred on April 9 and is under investigation by authorities.

According to police reports, the suspect approached his ex-partner in the street shortly after arriving on a motorcycle. Witnesses stated that he threatened her before launching the attack, striking her with a small hatchet and also carrying a knife.

The victim had a protective order against the man, who had reportedly been released from prison less than 24 hours prior to the incident.

During the attack, a bystander witnessed the situation and intervened to protect the woman. The individual used a metal bar to strike the attacker, stopping the assault. The suspect died at the scene as a result of the intervention.

The woman sustained injuries to her head and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been publicly detailed.

Authorities questioned the man who intervened and later released him. The case is being treated as an act of defense, and investigations are ongoing to fully clarify the circumstances.