Boston Resident Convicted for Petrol Bomb Attack on Police at Aldi
David Wiatrowski, a 36-year-old resident of Boston, has been found guilty of attempting to incite an explosion with the intention to put lives at risk after he hurled a petrol bomb at police officers outside a local Aldi store in Boston, Lincolnshire. The ordeal unfolded on New Year’s Day when Wiatrowski broke the store’s windows with a hammer before facing the officers who responded to the incident. Along with the petrol bomb, he also brandished a fake firearm at the police during their confrontation.
Wiatrowski, a resident of Bradford Road, had earlier confessed to several charges which included possessing an imitation firearm with the purpose of causing fear of violence, affray, and criminal damage during a hearing that was held in February. The proceedings at the Lincoln Crown Court wrapped up with his conviction and his sentencing is scheduled to take place on 2 October.
The Lincolnshire Police reported that Wiatrowski had held an object which resembled a firearm in a holster and had initially cautioned officers to keep their distance before he ignited a rag in a bottle and hurled it at them. Following this, he performed an action as if he was loading the gun before he scarpered from the scene. He was ultimately detained on 10 January following a public appeal.
Law enforcement detailed Wiatrowski’s behaviour as “carefully thought-out” and “pointless”, with seemingly no other motive except ennui and a yen to manufacture a Molotov cocktail. While speaking to police, Wiatrowski stated that he sought to frighten the officers into believing they were facing a lethal threat. Despite smashing the windows, he insisted he had no plans to enter the Queen Street store.
Reflecting on the ramifications of the incident, Detective Inspector Melissa Rooke observed, “This was a purposeful and completely pointless act, committed with total lack of concern for the impact it would create. It’s not surprising that those who reacted to this event were deeply affected by what they encountered. Our officers were confronted by an individual whose blatant aim was to instil fear and potentially inflict considerable damage.”
This story stems from the original report by www.bbc.com and was modified for The Lincoln Post.
