Driver flees van and runs into forest in Lublin region

17 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A 42-year-old sparked a Tarnawatka police chase on July 16 after refusing to stop; he later fled on foot and tested nearly 2‰.

A dramatic Tarnawatka police chase unfolded on Thursday, July 16, when officers tried to stop a white van on national road 17. Consequently, the 42-year-old driver fled first by vehicle and then on foot into a nearby forest.

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Tarnawatka police chase: how events unfolded

Police in Tomaszów Lubelski received a call after 11:00. Moreover, the caller said the driver might be under the influence. Therefore, officers immediately sent a patrol toward Krynic. However, the van appeared in the village of Tarnawatka. The patrol activated lights and siren to signal a stop. Yet the driver ignored the commands and drove off along local streets. In addition, he drove dangerously to avoid capture. Consequently, he overtook vehicles on a continuous line. Furthermore, he overtook on a pedestrian crossing. Also, he executed risky moves at an intersection to escape.

At one side road the driver suddenly stopped the van. Then he left the vehicle and ran toward the forest. The officers chased him on foot and caught him after a short pursuit. The man proved to be a 42-year-old resident of Lublin. Moreover, a breath test showed he had nearly 2.0 per mille alcohol. Therefore, the police took his driving licence. In addition, they secured the vehicle and had it towed to a guarded lot.

Charges, penalties and court process

The driver faces several charges. Firstly, he will answer for driving under the influence. Secondly, he will face charges for failing to stop for police. In addition, he will face charges for the traffic violations committed during his escape. Consequently, prosecutors may pursue criminal penalties. Moreover, Polish law treats failure to stop when signalled by police as an offence. Therefore, those convicted face between three months and five years in prison. Also, courts can add fines and a licence ban. Furthermore, a criminal record can complicate future residency or work permits.

Local context and policing

Polish police work under national rules and use blue lights and sirens to order stops. However, if you see those signals, you must pull over safely. In addition, officers can detain drivers suspected of serious offences. Consequently, they may hold a suspect while investigators gather evidence. Moreover, officers routinely secure vehicles and remove them from roads for safety.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If police signal you to stop, pull over safely and comply. Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance papers. A “mandat” (fine) can settle minor offences, but refusals and drunk driving trigger criminal charges. Keep your passport or PESEL (national ID number) ready if you live here. Also, call 112 for emergencies. In Poland, institutions such as ZUS (social security) and NFZ (National Health Fund) handle benefits and health care, but police matters remain separate. Finally, fleeing officers greatly worsens outcomes, so cooperate and seek legal advice.

Local investigators will now prepare files for the prosecutor. Therefore, a court will decide on formal charges and penalties. Moreover, the case highlights how quickly routine stops can escalate. Consequently, it offers a clear warning to drivers, locals and visitors alike.

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