A major manhunt is underway after a Garda was dragged 100 metres along the road by dangerous criminal driving an Audi.
The officer had his bodycam on during the incident which captured his interaction with the Lithuanian suspect behind the wheel of a blue Audi A6 before the driver sped away.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening near Mountjoy Square.
The Audi had been previously flagged after ramming a police car up north just days before the incident in Dublin's city centre.
According to The Sun, Gardaí stopped the vehicle and one of the officers spoke with the 35-year-old driver, who handed over his passport. During the check, the Garda discovered the man had no insurance and was the subject of an active bench warrant for his arrest. The driver was then informed that his car was being seized.
The man began to drive off as the Garda spoke to him, dragging him along by the vehicle whilst he shouted for him to stop.
The man was able to flee the scene before additional units arrived.
The Sun stated that the car was last seen in Swords, however, the man managed to get away again.
A manhunt is now underway with Gardai and the PSNI working together to find the driver.
Garda Representative Association (GRA) President, Niall Hodgins said via The Sun: “It is deeply concerning that attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are becoming increasingly prevalent, with offenders demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of those tasked with protecting our communities."
“Every Garda who reports for duty deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift. No member should face the prospect of being assaulted, seriously injured, or worse, simply for enforcing the law. The GRA extends its full support to our injured colleague and wishes them a full and speedy recovery. We also acknowledge the professionalism and courage displayed by all members who continue to serve despite the growing levels of violence directed towards them," Hodgins continued.
Hogins added that the GRA are calling on the Government to introduce mandatory minimum custodial sentences for "any offender convicted of an offence that results in injury to a member of An Garda Siochana in the execution of their duties."
“Those who deliberately assault or injure Gardai must face meaningful consequences that reflect the seriousness of these offences and serve as a genuine deterrent to others. Our members place themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public. They deserve the full backing of the justice system and the confidence that those who attack them will be held fully accountable," he continued.
