A forensic psychiatric report has concluded that the police officer who fatally shot his colleague, 35-year-old Mateusz Biernacki, during a November 2024 intervention in Warsaw’s Praga-Północ district, was legally sane.
The Fatal Incident
On November 23, 2024, in Warsaw’s Praga-Północ district, officers intervened against an aggressive man armed with a machete. During the operation, an officer with 18 months of service discharged his weapon, striking his colleague, Mateusz Biernacki. The 35-year-old was transported to the Military Medical Institute but succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Status and Charges
The suspect was charged with exceeding his authority and causing severe bodily harm resulting in death. Although the prosecutor requested temporary detention, the court opted for police supervision, a 50,000 PLN bail, and a suspension from duty, alongside a ban on practicing as a police officer and contacting witnesses.
Expert Testimony and Findings
An expert in intervention techniques and direct coercion measures determined that the use of force was unjustified and violated established regulations. In a recent report, court-appointed psychiatrists confirmed that the suspect was fully aware of his actions at the time of the shooting.
Next Steps in Prosecution
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Praga stated that the evidentiary material is considered complete. Defense counsel will soon be given the opportunity to review the case file, with an indictment likely to be filed in court this July, pending any potential additional defense requests.
