Polish prosecutors are investigating the death of a 51-year-old man who fled a hospital, was shot by police, and whose autopsy indicates gunshot wounds weren’t the direct cause of death.
Investigation Launched into Hospital Escape and Shooting
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Ostrołęka has taken over the investigation into the death of a 51-year-old man who escaped from the Ostrowi Mazowiecka County Hospital and was subsequently shot by a police officer. Initial findings suggest the gunshot wounds were not the direct cause of death, with final conclusions pending a forensic medical opinion.
On April 7, 2026, the prosecutor’s office assumed responsibility for the investigation previously initiated by the Ostrowi Mazowiecka District Prosecutor’s Office. The proceedings concern the circumstances of a public official’s actions and the man’s death.
Details of the Arrest and Escape
The incident stems from events on April 3, 2026, when police from the Ostrowi Mazowiecka County Police Headquarters arrested the 51-year-old man, who was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Ostrowi Mazowiecka District Court.
The detainee was transported to the Ostrowi Mazowiecka County Hospital for medical examinations. A doctor decided to admit him for detailed diagnostics. While hospitalized, the man remained under the supervision of police officers from Ostrowi.
The Pursuit and Shooting
The key events unfolded around 11:00 AM on April 5th. During the detainee’s transfer from an X-ray examination, he escaped the hospital and fled the premises. The supervising officer pursued him. According to prosecutor Elżbieta Edyta Łukasiewicz, “the man did not comply with the police officer’s commands, resulting in the officer using his service weapon.”
The 51-year-old sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Despite intensive resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.
Autopsy Findings
An autopsy was conducted on April 8, 2026, at the Forensic Medicine Department in Białystok, in the presence of a prosecutor from the Ostrołęka District Prosecutor’s Office and a forensic technician from the Białystok City Police Headquarters.
The pathologist identified gunshot wounds to both lower legs, but these did not cause significant damage to bone or vascular structures. A gunshot wound was also found near the right shoulder blade without an exit wound, and a deformed bullet was located in the right deltoid muscle.
Crucially, prosecutor Łukasiewicz stated, “the autopsy did not reveal that the gunshot wounds were the direct cause of the man’s sudden death.” Blood and tissue samples were also taken for further histopathological examination.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Collection
Prosecutors emphasize that final conclusions are pending. The spokesperson stated that “the definitive cause of death and the nature of the gunshot wounds will be released to the public after receiving a forensic medical opinion prepared by an expert.”
Investigators are currently conducting extensive evidentiary proceedings, including examining the scene, interviewing police officers, medical personnel, and bystanders. Hospital surveillance footage from the day of the escape, the service weapons of both supervising officers, the man’s medical records, and other relevant materials have been secured.
The Prosecutor’s Office in Ostrołęka is currently focusing on analyzing the correctness of the actions taken towards the detainee. Prosecutor Łukasiewicz informed that “intensive investigative actions are underway regarding compliance with all procedures related to the supervision of a detained person in a hospital setting, the circumstances of his escape, and the grounds for the use of direct coercion measures in the form of firearms.”
No Preliminary Conclusions Reached
At this stage of the investigation, the prosecution is not yet presenting final assessments regarding the justification for the use of force or the direct cause of death. Final findings will depend on the results of further research and expert opinions.
