Your OP and that article imply that this is happening all over Brazil, but I can only find reports of a police strike in one city, Vitória. I guess that’s not lurid enough?
It’s actually the whole state of Espirito Santo. Technically, the Policia Militar isn’t on strike, since by law, they aren’t allowed to strike, but rather their families are protesting in front of the barracks and not letting them leave. I’ve also seen pictures of looting in other municipalities of Espirito Santo. Buzzfeed has some coverage as well.
The army had been called out, but I don’t think it was enough troops to really quiet down the situation. Everything is closed right now including schools, courts, government, and almost all businesses. According to this article, there were counter protests by residents against the wives of the police and the army had to break it all up.
I have family there and most people there seem to be getting news via Whatsapp and circulating pictures and news as it becomes available.
The police strike in Espirito Santo is still going on. According to reuters, the death toll has risen to 100. My cousins there forwarded me pictures of the supermarkets and it seems chaotic. The big supermarket in their neighborhood was open for a few hours. Most retail, offices, governments offices, and schools are still closed.