A dentist from the Kaštela region received a 700 euro fine from a temporary court after verbally confronting police officers during his friend’s arrest. The incident unfolded on December 13, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Matice Hrvatske Street in Split. The 27-year-old man, who had a blood alcohol content of 1.40 g/L, reportedly shouted at the officers, “You are sick, what are you doing?”
A Night Out Turns Into Legal Trouble
A dentist’s attempt to defend a friend led to his own arrest and a financial penalty.
The dentist had been attending an Advent gathering on the Split campus earlier that evening, where he consumed wine. While driving home, he observed two police officers apprehending an acquaintance who was attempting to flee. After the officers subdued and handcuffed the man, the dentist began to protest.
“I screamed instinctively because of what I saw. I’m sorry, I was under the influence of alcohol,” the dentist explained to the judge.
Police immediately arrested the dentist and held him in custody for nearly 13 hours, from 1:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the same day. A breathalyzer test confirmed his blood alcohol level at 1.40 grams per kilogram of blood.
Instinctive Reaction, Legal Consequences
During the court proceedings, the dentist maintained that his intention wasn’t to obstruct the police, but rather to react spontaneously to witnessing his friend’s arrest. He expressed sincere remorse and acknowledged his responsibility, emphasizing that his outburst was an instinctive response while intoxicated.
The court considered the dentist’s clean criminal record—no prior convictions for disturbing the peace—and a single prior traffic violation in the last three years when determining the penalty.
The municipal criminal court imposed the minimum fine allowed by law: 700 euros, plus approximately 40 euros in custody costs. The dentist has 30 days to pay the remaining 660 euros, with a reduced payment of two-thirds available for immediate settlement.
The verdict is currently subject to appeal.
