Gliwice farmer arrested for plowing through new asphalt

A 60-year-old farmer in the Ostropa district of Gliwice has been arrested after using a tractor with a plow to destroy approximately 200 meters of freshly laid asphalt on Rybacka Street. The incident occurred on Friday, August 7, shortly after construction crews had completed the surface work.

The individual claimed the road was partially his private property and that the renovation was illegal. However, the Gliwice City Road Authority (ZDM) and Mayor Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka have officially denied these claims, stating that land ownership records and surveyors confirm the road belongs entirely to the city.

The damage to the asphalt and the road subbase is estimated at approximately 400,000 PLN. The suspect faces charges of destroying property of significant value, which carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. Following a request from prosecutor Miłosz Żymełka, a court has ordered a three-month temporary detention due to the severity of the potential penalty. The farmer's tractor, a brand Ursus, was impounded; authorities noted the vehicle lacked mandatory insurance.