In Roslavl, authorities are reviewing an incident involving a heavily intoxicated dump truck driver after a formal inquiry was opened by the district division of the Investigative Committee. Regional reporters tracking events in the Smolensk area say the matter is moving through official channels as observers wait for detailed findings and accountability steps.
Video footage from the scene circulated on a popular Russian social network, VKontakte, within a user group called “I heard about Smolensk.” The uploader alleges that four traffic police officers shattered the truck’s windshield, restrained the driver who appeared intoxicated, and deployed gas canisters after the vehicle had stopped off the roadway. Public response has been swift, with calls for transparency and consistent adherence to lawful policing practices as the investigation unfolds. (citation: local reporting and community posts)
According to the regional division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that handles road policing, patrol officers observed the truck and approached as the driver signaled distress and began to move in reverse. The driver showed clear signs of intoxication and refused to present vehicle documents or a driver’s license, retreating into the taxi section of the truck. It later came to light that the driver had a prior history of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In these circumstances, authorities defended the use of force and special equipment as part of standard enforcement procedures. (citation: Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
The Smolensk Regional Investigative Department, under the national Investigative Committee, stated that a preliminary inquiry has been launched to evaluate the claim that traffic police beat a drunk driver. This marks the formal start of a process to reconstruct the sequence of events, review available video evidence, and question witnesses and the officers involved. The inquiry aims to establish timelines, assess the legality of actions taken on scene, and determine whether any violations occurred. (citation: Investigative Department press notes)
In a separate but noteworthy recap, public commentary also drew attention to another case involving entertainer Stas Baretsky, who faced travel restrictions following a separate traffic incident. The broader coverage underscores the regional interest in how traffic enforcement and accountability are handled in real time. (citation: public media coverage)