The night of August 15–16, 2025. Outside an apartment building on Robotnicza Street in Elbląg, Poland, a police intervention ends in tragedy. 19-year-old Oliwier Bartosik is taken to the hospital in critical condition. He dies the following morning. The case became one of the most widely discussed stories about police conduct in Poland in 2025.
What We Know — and What Remains Unanswered
According to the official police report, the patrol was called to an "aggressive man destroying cars." Officers stated the 19-year-old was agitated, refused to comply, and bit one of the policemen. They used pepper spray, a service baton, and handcuffs before pinning him to the ground.
However, the same police report did not confirm any vehicle damage — the stated reason for the call. Family and witnesses say the boy simply wanted to enter his apartment building. Banners at later protests carried what were reportedly his last words: "I just wanted to enter my building". Prosecutors are verifying both accounts.
Medical Records That Reached the Media
Oliwier arrived at the hospital unconscious, having suffered cardiac arrest twice. Doctors noted bruises, scratches, and a severely reddened face. Part of the medical documentation from the rescue operation reached the press:
"After endotracheal intubation, I felt irritation, shortness of breath, breathlessness, coughing, tearing. I had to step away from my duties due to feeling unwell. It turned out the police had used pepper spray on the patient. I most likely inhaled [the gas] during intubation."
Local media confirmed the document's authenticity. The police have not publicly addressed this aspect of the case.
The March of Silence and Questions Without Answers
On September 7, 2025, a "March of Silence" took place in Elbląg. Hundreds gathered outside the District Prosecutor's Office and the Municipal Police Headquarters. Oliwier's mother, Aleksandra Bartosik, said: "I want to know the truth and I will not give up."
At the family's request, the investigation was transferred to the District Prosecutor's Office in Toruń. Proceedings focus on exceeding authority (Art. 231 §1 of the Penal Code) and involuntary manslaughter (Art. 155 of the Penal Code). Months after the incident, the case still raises questions — autopsy results have not been made public, and the investigation remains at the "in the matter" stage.