A man allegedly bit off part of a Garda’s finger yesterday after he “tested positive for cannabis and cocaine”.
The man, aged in his 30s, was last night being held in custody as the injured officer recovered in hospital. The incident unfolded when a driver was seen driving a car erratically around 11.30am at Gulliver’s Retail Park beside the M50 in Ballymun.
He drove into another car and hit a bollard as shocked onlookers raised the alarm. Gardai responded to the incident and stopped the suspect.
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It is understood the man allegedly failed a roadside drugs test having both cannabis and cocaine in his system. It is believed the man resisted arrest, and bit a Garda’s index finger and left it hanging off.
The officer was rushed in a patrol car to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where he was treated for his injuries. A source said: “It is a shocking incident but it’s a level of violence gardai are facing more and more all of the time.”
The man was brought to Ballymun Garda station where he was last night held on suspicion of dangerous driving and assault causing harm. As part of the investigation, gardai will speak to witnesses of the incident at Gulliver’s Retail Park. They are also gathering CCTV evidence from the area.
The car the man was driving is also understood to have been seized and will be examined. A Garda spokesman appealed for witnesses to come forward.
He said: “During the course of an arrest, a member of An Garda Siochana was assaulted. A man in his 30s was arrested and was brought to Ballymun Garda station where he is currently detained.
“The member of An Garda Siochana was taken to James Connolly Hospital to be treated for their injuries which are understood to be serious but non-life threatening.
“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.”
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