According to information provided by the Saxon police, the incident took place on Saturday afternoon in the Königshainer Berge tunnel. A patrol from the motorway police station in Budziszyn was travelling in an unmarked car and observing traffic on the route.
At one point, the officers drew alongside an Audi S8 travelling within the speed limit. A 38-year-old German citizen was behind the wheel. After briefly exchanging glances, the man made a provocative hand gesture and then accelerated sharply.
That was not the end of it, however. The driver reportedly overtook the patrol car on the right, then braked sharply and pulled alongside the police vehicle. He then again encouraged the driver to take part in an illegal race.
The police officers did not react immediately. They waited until the cars had left the tunnel. When the Audi accelerated hard again, the officers activated their visual and audible signals.
The 38-year-old immediately abandoned his further journey and stopped for a check. During the inspection, he admitted that he had tried to provoke a street race.
The case will now go to court. In Germany, organising or taking part in illegal street races is treated as a criminal offence and may have serious consequences, including a heavy fine, loss of driving licence and even imprisonment.
The incident occurred near the Polish border, on a route frequently used by drivers travelling between Germany and Poland. Police remind drivers that recklessness on a motorway can end not only in a fine, but also in tragedy.