The incident occurred on September 28, at approximately 1:40 a.m., on Grunwaldzka Street in Legnica. The Municipal Police Headquarters duty officer received a report that a witness had apprehended the driver of a Ford Fiesta who might be under the influence of alcohol.
A traffic police patrol was dispatched to the scene. The officers found a 31-year-old Colombian national. A breathalyzer test showed that the man had nearly 2.5 per mille of alcohol in his exhaled air.
The witness followed the driver
The witness had earlier noticed the way the Ford's driver was driving. Suspecting that the man might be intoxicated, he followed him and observed his behavior.
When the driver stopped the car, the witness approached the vehicle and removed the keys from the ignition. In this way, he prevented him from driving any farther and then notified the police.
The police emphasize that this was an exemplary response to a potentially dangerous situation on the road. The intoxicated driver could have posed a threat to other road users.
The 31-year-old was arrested. After the necessary procedures were completed, he was placed in police custody.
Up to 3 years in prison
Driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated is punishable by up to 3 years in prison. The driver must also expect financial penalties and a driving ban.
The police remind people that if they notice someone intending to drive after drinking alcohol, they should not remain indifferent and should immediately notify the emergency services. Officers stress that a sufficiently quick and safe response by a witness can prevent a tragedy.