A 40-year-old man died in Poznań, Poland on Monday after being pepper-sprayed by police during an intervention involving a separate self-harm incident.
Initial Incident and Response
On Monday, May 4th, around 10 PM in the Jeżyce district of Poznań, police received a report of a man with a cut throat in the Sienkiewicza Street area. Patrols and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene.
According to Komendant Wojewódzkiej Policji in Poznań spokesperson, mł. insp. Andrzej Borowiak, officers found a man with a laceration to his neck.
Intervention and Use of Pepper Spray
While officers were providing assistance, another man began interfering with the operation. The man did not comply with police instructions and became aggressive, leading an officer to deploy pepper spray.
Man’s Death and Investigation
The man who was pepper-sprayed subsequently lost consciousness and died despite resuscitation efforts. A prosecutor and forensic doctor were present at the scene, but the cause of death will be determined by an autopsy.
Condition of Self-Harm Victim
The man with the cut throat was transported to a hospital. His injuries were self-inflicted, and his condition is currently stable.
Possible Connection Between the Men
Police suspect the two men may have known each other. The incident occurred in a quieter part of Jeżyce, near a liquor store that closes at 11 PM. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and body-worn camera recordings.
Crisis Support Resources
Information is provided for individuals experiencing crisis or suicidal thoughts, including contact numbers for mental health support centers, a helpline for children and youth, and an emotional support hotline.
Resources are also listed for immediate crisis intervention, including the police emergency number (112) and local psychiatric hospital emergency departments.