Co-defendant in Łukasz Żak trial surrenders to custody as police hunt for second man

Following the sentencing of fatal crash driver Łukasz Żak to 20 years in prison, two co-defendants have turned themselves in while Warsaw police search for a third fugitive.

Sentencing of Łukasz Żak and Co-defendants

A downtown district court sentenced fatal Trasa Łazienkowska crash perpetrator Łukasz Żak to 20 years in prison a week and a half ago, with eligibility for parole after 15 years, alongside a lifetime driving ban.

Co-defendants in the Żak trial were convicted of helping the driver evade criminal responsibility, receiving prison sentences ranging from 5 to 2 years for aiding his escape, destroying evidence, and failing to render assistance.

Surrender and Manhunt for Fugitives

Two co-defendants in the Łukasz Żak trial have surrendered to custody, while capital police search for a third man, Mikołaj N., who stopped reporting to the police station.

Kacper K. surrendered earlier in the week and was detained, followed by Damian J. on Tuesday, July 28, while police continue their search for Mikołaj N.

Details of Convictions and Non-Final Judgments

Car rental owner Kacper K., accused of drunk driving, obstruction of justice, and failure to help victims, received a 5-year prison sentence and a 6-year driving ban, while Mikołaj O. and Damian J. received 4-year sentences, with all judgments remaining non-final.

Jakub Chełmiński reported on Wyborcza.pl that Łukasz Ż. faces new wholesale drug charges in addition to the Trasa Łazienkowska proceedings.

Crash Circumstances and Investigation

The crash occurred on September 15, 2024, on the Trasa Łazienkowska in Warsaw, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old male passenger after a Volkswagen and Ford collided.

Injured parties included the victim’s 37-year-old wife and their children aged four and eight, as well as Volkswagen passenger Paulina K., while Żak fled with the help of acquaintances before being arrested in Lübeck, Germany under an arrest warrant, with expert opinions showing he was drunk, using a phone, and driving at 226 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.