British Tourist Allegedly High on Drugs Smashes Car Through Polish Hotel Lobby
A British holidaymaker has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly driving his car into the lobby of a hotel in Poland while under the influence of drugs. The 36-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, caused extensive damage to the Gołębiewski Hotel in Karpacz, a popular ski resort, in an incident captured on CCTV.
Chaotic Scene and Arrest
According to police reports, the tourist was driving a black Mazda when he crashed through the hotel entrance, ripping several doors off their hinges. Witnesses stated that he acted as if nothing had happened and drove away from the scene. Police later spotted the severely damaged vehicle approximately one mile from the hotel in a parking lot.
When officers approached, the man attempted to flee but collided with a police car during the pursuit. He was described as visibly agitated and resisted arrest before being taken into custody. Preliminary tests indicated the presence of drugs in his system, and intoxicants were also found inside the car.
Legal Consequences and Charges
The British tourist now faces serious legal repercussions. He has been charged with:
- Failing to stop for a traffic stop
- Damaging property
- Possessing psychoactive substances
- Driving under the influence
He remains in custody and could be sentenced to up to five years in prison for these crimes. Additionally, he has been fined £10,500 for the damage caused to the hotel and banned from driving in Poland for four years.
Police Statement and Investigation
Police spokeswoman Edyta Bagrowska provided details of the arrest, noting that the man was inside the damaged car when officers located him. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangers of drug-impaired driving.
Similar Incidents Caught on Camera
This event is not an isolated case of dramatic crashes captured on surveillance footage. In January of last year, a Range Rover driver caused significant destruction by crashing into a sewing shop in west London. In another incident in December, a car in Laughlin, Nevada, plowed through a garden wall and flipped over, landing its driver in a swimming pool.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable and often devastating consequences of reckless driving, whether due to intoxication or other factors.
