Four Spanish nationals arrested in Warsaw for damaging metro wagons, causing delays and endangering passengers.
Arrest and Charges
Police from the Bielan district in Warsaw arrested four individuals suspected of disrupting metro operations and damaging wagons. The suspects’ actions caused losses exceeding 90,000 złoty. They face charges of disrupting public transport devices and property destruction, with one additional charge of drug possession.
The court granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered a three-month detention for all four suspects.
Incident Details
The incident occurred last Wednesday after 3:00 PM at Wawrzyszew metro station. Police investigation revealed that the group caused a metro train to stop by pulling the emergency brake lever. The train was immobilized and could not continue. The suspects then pulled the emergency door-opening lever without authorization and opened the wagon door from the platform side, endangering passengers.
The suspects subsequently spray-painted graffiti on the exteriors of two metro wagons, causing damage. This situation forced passengers to exit the train and required substitute transportation to be arranged.
Financial Impact
The incident resulted in significant financial losses. The largest portion consisted of costs related to metro disruption and train service suspension, exceeding 82,000 złoty. Substitute transportation costs amounted to over 5,500 złoty, while damage to metro wagons was estimated at least 4,000 złoty.
Investigation and Arrest Process
Police immediately began searching for suspects after receiving information about the incident. Bieland criminal police arrested two men, aged 25 and 23, who were hiding in a rented apartment. A 23-year-old woman was also apprehended by a city guard, while her 20-year-old accomplice was arrested by police minutes later.
Legal Proceedings
All detained individuals are Spanish citizens. They have been charged with intentional disruption of public transport devices and property destruction. Investigators determined they acted jointly and in concert, showing blatant disregard for the law. These offenses carry a potential penalty of up to 8 years imprisonment. Police also found marijuana on one of the men, so the 23-year-old will additionally face drug possession charges.
The court granted the Żoliborz prosecutor’s request and ordered a two-month detention for all four suspects. The case is supervised by the Warsaw Żoliborz Regional Prosecutor’s Office.