Police in Raciąż, Poland, have arrested two men accused of attacking a 16-year-old Ukrainian citizen with racially motivated insults and violence on April 7th.
Initial Incident and Pursuit
Police in Raciąż detained two men suspected of assaulting a 16-year-old Ukrainian national based on his nationality. The incident began with street harassment and demands for alcohol, escalating into violence and verbal abuse.
The suspects fled the scene but were quickly located and apprehended by officers. The 19 and 22-year-old men have been formally charged.
Details of the Attack
On April 7th, Płońsk police received a report of an attack on the 16-year-old Ukrainian citizen on a street in Raciąż. The incident started with harassment near a store and culminated in physical violence and the theft of the teen’s house keys.
The victim reported the incident to authorities, prompting an investigation by the local police station. The two men initially harassed the boy, requesting he purchase alcohol for them. When he refused, citing his age and lack of funds, they briefly left him alone.
Shortly after, the same men approached the teenager again near another store. One of them allegedly struck him in the face and then directed nationalistic insults at him. They stole his house keys and demanded money for their return.
Arrest and Confession
Officers from the Raciąż police station quickly identified and arrested the two suspects, aged 19 and 22, finding them in a local park. Both men were intoxicated at the time of their arrest.
During questioning, both men admitted their involvement in the incident and confirmed the use of abusive language and violence against the teenager due to his nationality. They also revealed the location where they discarded the stolen keys, which were subsequently recovered.
Charges Filed
The 19-year-old resident of the Drobin municipality and the 22-year-old resident of the Raciąż municipality were taken into police custody. After sobering up, the younger man was charged with racially motivated insult, while the older man faces charges of insult and bodily harm.
The offense under Article 257 of the Polish Penal Code carries a potential sentence of up to 3 years imprisonment. Additionally, the 22-year-old was charged under Article 286 § 2 of the Penal Code, relating to extortion – demanding a financial benefit in exchange for the return of unlawfully taken property, which carries a potential sentence of up to 8 years imprisonment.