Man Charged Following Incident Involving Stolen Police Car
A 27-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving after a police officer was seriously injured when struck by a stolen police car in Downpatrick, County Down. The officer had discharged his firearm during the incident.
The man faces additional charges of driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without insurance. He is scheduled to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Initially, the man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but has since been released unconditionally on that count. Meanwhile, police have arrested another man, aged 36, on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury.
A 27-year-old woman is also in custody, having been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
Details of the Downpatrick Incident
The incident began at approximately 04:45 BST on Sunday when a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area of Downpatrick.
After the initial police crew returned to their station, other PSNI officers located the vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area of the town. A man fled on foot, prompting officers to pursue him towards nearby Colmcille Road.
As the officers returned to their police car, an individual was observed driving erratically in the driver's seat, heading directly towards an officer.
"As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver's seat - driving erratically and directly towards an officer,"said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
The officer discharged one round from his weapon but was struck by the stolen police car and required assistance from colleagues and ambulance personnel. The suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
The entire incident lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Official Responses and Investigations
Brendan Mullan, Chair of the Policing Board, described the event as an "extremely serious and reckless incident," noting that the officer survived a "life-threatening situation."
"This incident also provides a very serious reminder of the dangers officers can face in their service to the community,"he added.
The Police Ombudsman's Office confirmed that investigators attended the scene of the shooting in accordance with standard procedures.
"We have been gathering relevant information, including any available video evidence, to assess the circumstances,"said Nikki Davis, director of investigations.
"Our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured during the incident in Downpatrick and their colleague who was present,"she added.
