21-year-old opens fire on hikers with air rifle, attacks Polish police with hammer in Brenna
A 21-year-old man fired an air rifle at tourists returning from a mountain trail in Brenna, southern Poland, before attacking responding officers with a hammer, leaving three policemen injured.
The attack on hikers
A quiet Sunday afternoon in the popular hiking destination of Brenna turned violent on 14 June. According to police, a 21-year-old local resident targeted women and other tourists who were returning to their cars near the Hołcyna trailhead. The man shouted threats, threw stones, and discharged an air rifle in the direction of the group. Witness accounts cited by local media suggest the attacker was angered by cars he believed were parked illegally near the trail entrance. No tourists were struck by the pellets, though several vehicles were damaged.
Police intervention turns violent
Officers from the Skoczów police station were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. following an emergency call. The suspect remained aggressive after their arrival, refusing commands and threatening the officers. When police entered the property to prevent further escalation, the 21-year-old attacked one officer with a hammer. He continued to resist violently as the team moved to restrain him.
From the report it appeared that from one of the buildings he was throwing stones at passing women. He also fired an air rifle shot in their direction.
Injuries and aftermath
Three policemen required medical attention following the struggle. Reports from FAKT24.pl and polsatnews.pl indicate that two of the injured officers needed urgent hospitalisation. All three were later released after examinations. The suspect was subdued, handcuffed, and taken into police custody. Officers secured the air rifle and other evidence at the scene.
Investigation underway
The Cieszyn district police, under the supervision of the prosecutor's office, are now gathering material evidence and conducting further procedural steps. Residents of Brenna expressed shock at the unprecedented violence in their normally tranquil village. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the exact sequence of events that turned a hiking trail car park into a crime scene.
