Woman Arrested and Released on Bail Following Downpatrick Incident
A 27-year-old woman arrested in connection with an incident in Downpatrick, County Down, on Sunday, where a police officer fired his gun and was seriously injured after being struck by a stolen police car, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
Police confirmed that a 36-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury, remains in custody.
A man appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday in relation to the same incident.
Kieran Turley, 27, from Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.
Bail was refused for Turley, and he is scheduled to appear again in court on 25 June.
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 officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) located the vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area of the town.
A man then fled from the vehicle, and officers pursued him on foot towards the nearby Colmcille Road.
"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.
Following this, the officer discharged one round from his weapon but was struck by the stolen police car and required assistance from colleagues and ambulance staff.
The suspect then abandoned the police car and fled the scene.
The entire incident lasted approximately 45 minutes.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated that he spoke with the injured officer on Monday morning.
He said the officer was "recovering well despite some horrible injuries".
