Polish MP Łukasz Litewka died in a traffic accident, prompting a police investigation and a warning from prosecutors against public attempts to identify the suspect.
Prosecution Warns Against Public ‘Lynch Mob’
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Sosnowiec appealed on Saturday for the public not to attempt to independently identify the suspect in the accident that killed MP Łukasz Litewka. Investigators warned that initiatives aimed at a “public lynch” could result in criminal liability.
Prosecutor Bartosz Kilian strongly urged the public against attempts to determine the suspect’s identity through online efforts. “It is the procedural authorities who are responsible for thoroughly investigating this event,” he stated.
Danger of Online Vigilantism
Kilian cautioned that online proposals to offer rewards for information about the suspect’s identity or residence are extremely dangerous. He warned that such activity is entirely contrary to the ongoing investigation and could lead to criminal charges for aiding in harm to the suspect.
Arrest with Potential Bail
The District Court in Dąbrowa Górnicza ordered a three-month detention for the suspect. However, the court stipulated that the suspect could be released upon payment of a 40,000 złoty bail, subject to police supervision and a travel ban.
Prosecutor Kilian noted that the ruling does not fully meet the prosecutor’s requests and will be analyzed for a potential appeal.
Investigation Details: Vehicle Condition and Suspect Statement
Investigators have secured the suspect’s mobile phone, which is being examined to determine its use immediately before the collision. The suspect’s vehicle was confirmed to be technically sound, and toxicology tests have not yet detected psychoactive substances. The suspect was reportedly “fully rested” at the time of the accident.
The suspect has confessed to the accident and provided extensive statements, reportedly “balancing between loss of consciousness, momentary distraction, and complete amnesia,” which investigators are treating as a defense strategy.
Accident Reconstruction and Cause of Death
Investigations reveal that MP Litewka was riding his bicycle properly. The driver of a Mitsubishi Colt, a 57-year-old resident of Sosnowiec, lost control and swerved into the opposite lane. No braking marks were found at the scene, and initial analysis indicates no speeding.
The autopsy revealed that MP Litewka’s death was caused by severe bleeding from severed arteries in his lower limb, despite resuscitation efforts.
Remembering a Social Activist
Łukasz Litewka was widely known for his charitable work. His #TeamLitewka foundation supported children’s medical treatment and animal rescue. He famously included images of shelter dogs on his election posters, aiding their adoption. His death marks the loss of a highly active and socially engaged parliamentarian.