The incident took place on January 25, 2019, in one of the buildings on Dolne Młyny Street. Krystian S. is homeless and was let into the building’s staircase by one of the residents. He then went to the attic to spend the night.
The 25-year-old set fire to a sweatshirt found there, causing the roof to catch fire. The man stayed near the building and... watched the fire and firefighting operation.
Thanks to the fire service’s prompt action, the fire did not spread and no one was injured.
After the suspect’s identity was established, he was detained and brought to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Bolesławiec, where he was charged with causing a direct threat to property on a large scale by starting a fire in a multi-family residential building.
The man admitted to committing the alleged offense and gave an explanation. Among other things, he stated that he wanted to see how the fire and firefighting operation would unfold.
Because of the severe sentence facing the suspect, as well as concerns that he might unlawfully obstruct the proceedings by hiding from law enforcement and might commit another offense against public safety, the District Prosecutor’s Office in Bolesławiec filed a motion for S.’s three-month pre-trial detention. The court granted the motion.
The suspect had previously been convicted, including for setting fire to a gazebo.
Moreover, ONE DAY BEFORE THE FIRE, officers proved that Krystian S. had committed two other offenses. The man is also suspected of committing two thefts in Bolesławiec Commune. The thief stole an aluminum ladder, cables, fuel and a battery.
The homeless man could face up to 10 years in prison.
More about the January fire in the material The attic of a building on Dolne Młyny Street caught fire.