A 25-year-old Polish soldier, Daniel H., was deemed not fully aware of his actions after firing around 70 shots, including one that nearly hit a teenager, on New Year’s Eve.
Incident Details
On New Year’s Eve, Daniel H., a 25-year-old soldier, consumed half a liter of vodka with his roommate in a living container. He then took his service rifle, a GROT, and began shooting into the air. Daniel H. left the campsite and stopped a passing civilian car carrying a father and daughter.
Confrontation and Shooting
The father exited the vehicle and argued with the aggressive soldier, who threatened him. The teenager escaped from the car. After the driver turned the car around and drove away, Daniel H. fired a shot at the vehicle. The bullet pierced the passenger seat, where the daughter had been sitting moments earlier. In total, Daniel H. fired approximately 70 shots.
Psychological Evaluation and Charges
It was found that Daniel H. had not previously caused any problems and had undergone specialized training and psychological examinations. However, experts concluded that at the time of the incident, the soldier was completely not fully aware of his actions due to symptoms of a mental illness. As a result, he will likely avoid criminal liability. The prosecutor’s office will soon decide on further steps in the proceedings.
Legal Proceedings
Investigators applied for an extension of the temporary arrest for Daniel H., who had previously heard charges of attempted murder, exceeding his authority, and directing criminal threats, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
