Police officer dies after being shot during duty in Lower Silesia, Poland

Sergeant Natan Sieroń, a 29-year-old police officer from the Bolesławiec District Police Headquarters, has died after being shot in the head while on duty.

The official Polish Police account announced his death on Friday evening, September 25, 2026. Sieroń, a criminal investigation officer who had served for just under two years, was shot during a police operation the previous day.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, on a property in Kraśnik Górny, Bolesławiec County, in Poland’s Lower Silesia region. Officers from Bolesławiec were conducting checks related to suspected thefts, believing stolen items might be present on the premises.

A 33-year-old resident of the property returned home while the officers were still there. According to prosecutors, he deliberately fired a 9mm Browning HP semi-automatic pistol at one of the officers with the direct intent to kill. The bullet struck Sergeant Sieroń in the head.

The wounded officer was airlifted by helicopter from the Polish Medical Air Rescue service to a hospital, where he underwent neurosurgery. His condition was critical from the outset, and despite medical efforts, he died on Friday.

The suspect was arrested at the scene. Prosecutors charged him with attempted murder, assault on a police officer performing official duties, and illegal possession of a firearm. He has confessed and provided explanations. Prosecutors requested a three-month pretrial detention order. He faces a potential sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.

Investigators noted that the 33-year-old had a prior criminal record in Germany, including a 2024 case in Bautzen involving the illegal import or export of firearms, parts, and ammunition.

In an official statement, Polish Police Chief General Inspector Marek Boroń and the police leadership expressed deep condolences to Sieroń’s family and loved ones on behalf of the entire force.

“He passed away while fulfilling his duty to the end — true to the words of the police oath: ‘even at the risk of his own life,’” the statement said.

Sergeant Sieroń’s death has been described as a profound tragedy for his family, colleagues, and the wider police community.