Jelenia Góra: WWII Antipersonnel Mines Dumped in Public Trash Can Lead to Charges for 39-Year-Old

On Wednesday evening in central Jelenia Góra, a 39-year-old man discarded two Soviet WWII antipersonnel mines in a public trash can and bushes, triggering the evacuation of 170 people.

Evacuation Triggered in Central Jelenia Góra

The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 22, evening in the center of Jelenia Góra. Police received a report about an item resembling a World War II unexploded ordnance found in a trash can near a shopping mall, leading to the evacuation of approximately 170 people from the mall and nearby homes.

Soviet OZM-72 Mines Neutralized by Sapers

Police bomb disposal technicians secured two unexploded items—one in a trash can and another in nearby bushes. They were Soviet OZM-72 antipersonnel mines likely dating from World War II, weighing 5 kg each, which activate upon tripwire disturbance to leap into the air and detonate with shrapnel lethal up to 25 meters and dangerous up to 50 meters. The dangerous items were secured and neutralized by police sappers.

Anti-personnel mines were found in a trash can, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old man.

Suspect Charged and Remanded in Custody

On Monday, Commissioner Przemysław Ratajczyk from the Provincial Police Headquarters announced the arrest of the man suspected of leaving the explosives. The officer stated he was charged with creating an immediate danger of explosion by possessing and abandoning two antipersonnel mines capable of violent detonation.

The 39-year-old is suspected of endangering the life and health of many people, facing up to 8 years in prison for the alleged act. Having been brought before the District Court in Jelenia Góra, the court reviewed the evidence, granted the prosecutor’s request, and applied a three-month pretrial detention.

Suspect’s Criminal History and Other Detainee

Commissioner Ratajczyk added that the man is well known to police from previous conflicts with the law, having served a prison sentence for various crimes for many years before leaving prison about a year ago.

Another 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case the day after the incident, but was released on Friday and treated as a witness.

Police Warning on Unexploded Ordnance

Police remind the public that unexploded ordnance and remnants of war continue to pose a lethal threat despite many years passing since military operations ended. Any item resembling ammunition, a grenade, a mine, or a shell can be dangerous, and if found, specific safety protocols should be followed.

Any irresponsible attempt to move or deliberately leave unexploded ordnance in public places can lead to tragedy and carries criminal liability.