Cool Off Duty Cop Shoots Gunman Attacking Wife While Holding Their Toddler

This is the moment a cool off-duty cop draws his gun and shoots an armed thief attacking his wife while holding their toddler daughter.

The shooting took place outside the officer’s home in the area of Vila California in the city of Sao Paulo in the Brazilian state of the same name on 3rd February, with the footage going viral in the country this week.

In the video, the family of three is seen walking towards the entrance of their home as a man wearing a blue top comes running up behind them, apparently with a gun raised.

Police officer holding baby shoots thief during robbery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 3rd February. (Newsflash)

The suspect points his gun at the woman and attempts to seize her bag. However, her husband is seen reaching for his firearm while holding his young daughter in his other arm.

The suspect crumples to the ground clutching his belly area and the mother runs into a parked car while trying to move away in panic.

While still cradling his toddler, the brave cop then moves between the injured gunman and his wife to protect her from possible return fire and keeps his weapon pointed at the man.

Police officer holding baby shoots thief during robbery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 3rd February. (Newsflash)

According to the news site Universo Online, the officer, name not reported, was off-duty when the gunman, identified as Osmar Pedro da Silva, attacked his family with an accomplice waiting nearby.

He was arriving home with his wife and their daughter in his arms when the gunman pounced.

The report said the cop shot the armed thief three times, striking his abdomen, arm and foot.

Police officer holding baby shoots thief during robbery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 3rd February. (Newsflash)

Da Silva is being treated in hospital and doctors said his condition is not life-threatening.

His accomplice reportedly fled the scene on foot and the police investigation is ongoing.