Łódź Driver Faces Life Imprisonment After Intentionally Striking Cyclist Twice

A 34-year-old Mercedes driver faces life imprisonment after drug-impaired rage led him to intentionally run over a 48-year-old cyclist in Łódź following a minor traffic dispute.

The Incident on Krótka Street

The incident occurred on July 22 on Krótka Street in Łódź. According to junior warrant officer Kamila Sowińska of the Łódź Provincial Police Headquarters, the 34-year-old Mercedes driver failed to exercise caution, drove onto a marked bicycle lane, and forced the cyclist to brake sharply and change direction.

Reports indicate that the 48-year-old cyclist then approached the vehicle to confront the driver. When the cyclist stood by the front right door, the suspect reversed while turning left, striking the victim. The suspect then moved forward, reversed again, and intentionally struck and drove over the victim, with the entire event captured by surveillance cameras.

Severe Injuries and Flight

As a result of the incident, the 48-year-old sustained severe injuries, including open fractures of the left leg. Following the incident, the Mercedes driver fled the scene and failed to provide first aid to the victim.

Arrest and Drug Possession

The suspect was detained the following day in Piotrków Trybunalski. According to Łódź District Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Paweł Jasiak, tests revealed the 34-year-old was driving under the influence of intoxicants, and police also found over 200 grams of drugs during a search of his residence.

Provisional Detention and Charges

At the Łódź-Polesie Prosecutor’s Office, the man was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm posing a life-threatening condition, causing injuries, and driving under the influence of drugs, carrying a penalty of up to life imprisonment. He was also charged with possession of significant amounts of drugs, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

During questioning, the suspect denied the charges against him. The prosecutor applied for a three-month provisional arrest, citing flight risk due to the suspect’s foreign citizenship and the severe potential penalty, and the court fully granted the request.