Russia denies diplomat shot dead mugger in Rio

Police in Rio de Janeiro say a Russian diplomat trying to repel an attempted robbery on Thursday near the Olympic Park was involved in a shooting that left the assailant dead. The Russian embassy denied any of its employees were involved in the incident.

Rio police said a Russian vice consul wrestled with a gunman who was trying to rob him, causing the weapon to go off and killing the criminal. In a statement to the Associated Press, the Russians refuted the police report.

“There must be a misunderstanding,” the embassy said in an email.