Manhunt for former police officer after knife attack on in-laws in Świętokrzyskie region
A 49-year-old former police officer is on the run after stabbing his 80-year-old father-in-law to death and seriously wounding his 76-year-old mother-in-law in Mierzawa, southern Poland.
The attack
The assault took place on Friday, 19 June, in the afternoon hours, at the home of the suspect’s in-laws in Mierzawa, a small village near Jędrzejów in Świętokrzyskie voivodeship. Police confirmed that the 49-year-old attacker, identified as Dariusz Równicki, a retired police officer, used a knife to kill his 80-year-old father-in-law, Tadeusz B., and severely injure his 76-year-old mother-in-law, Renata B. The 80-year-old died at the scene despite immediate rescue efforts, while the injured woman was airlifted to a hospital in Kraków, where she underwent life-saving surgery. Her condition is described by doctors as serious but stable.
According to investigators, the violence erupted after a marital dispute. The suspect’s wife, Joanna R., left their home following an argument, and the man went to her parents’ house looking for her. There, the attack occurred. A neighbour described the family as reserved and noted that Równicki, who retired from the force three years ago, rarely interacted with locals.
The background to the incident was family misunderstandings.
Manhunt launched
By Saturday morning, a massive search operation was underway. Nearly 300 police officers from across the region, including officers from the Jędrzejów county command and the provincial headquarters, were deployed. The operation, ordered by the Provincial Police Commander in Kielce, involves specialist equipment: a helicopter from the National Police Headquarters, quad bikes from the Radom-based provincial unit, drones, and tracking dogs. The manhunt is focused on the difficult terrain of Jędrzejów county, with officers conducting house-to-house searches and monitoring the suspect’s residence.
Absolutely, I would advise against attempting to detain the man on your own.
Police have set up a dedicated tip line (516 385 635) and stressed that all information will be treated confidentially. They also reminded the public that hiding or aiding the fugitive is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
- Marital dispute; suspect leaves home and goes to in-laws' house
- Knife attack: 80-year-old killed, 76-year-old critically injured
- Suspect flees on a yellow-and-black electric scooter
- Almost 300 officers, helicopter and drones deployed
- Prosecutors charge suspect with murder and attempted murder; arrest warrant issued
Suspect and warrant
On Saturday afternoon, the District Prosecutor’s Office in Jędrzejów charged Równicki with murder and attempted murder, and a temporary arrest warrant was issued by the District Court. A full wanted notice was published, including a detailed description: about 180 cm tall, with short brown hair and a receding hairline, no visible scars or tattoos, last seen wearing a light blue short-sleeved T-shirt, dark sweatpants, and sports shoes. He fled the scene on a yellow-and-black electric scooter.
Równicki retired from the police in February 2023, having served exclusively in the prevention unit. He does not have specialist training or a firearms permit. Colleagues quoted by one newspaper described him as “not a nice guy,” but police officials stated publicly that he is not considered particularly dangerous.
He retired in February 2023. He was an officer who was mainly associated with the prevention unit.
Appeal for public help
Police are urging residents to stay alert and report any sightings immediately via the emergency number 112. They caution that while the fugitive may not be armed, he is still at large and should not be confronted. The search remains active as of the evening of 20 June, with no breakthrough reported.
