Firearm aimed at Dublin gardaí after pre-dawn chase

A man aimed a firearm at police officers in the early hours of Saturday, October 31, after a chase through Dublin city centre.

Gardaí on active patrol on Abbey Street spotted a male cyclist acting suspiciously shortly before 5 a.m. When officers attempted to engage him, the cyclist fled. Two uniformed gardaí and one trainee gave chase and eventually apprehended the individual. A struggle ensued during the arrest, resulting in minor injuries to one of the officers.

During the altercation, the suspect produced a firearm and pointed it at the officers, forcing them to take cover. The man then ran from the scene, discarding the weapon into the River Liffey as he escaped. Police recovered a magazine from the area. A Garda spokesman stated that preliminary examination suggests the weapon is a realistic imitation firearm, though the magazine is being sent for forensic testing.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly commented on the incident on Saturday. "I want to commend the bravery of all the garda involved," Kelly said. He added that the event shows the daily dangers faced by officers and how they regularly go above and beyond to keep people safe.

Searches of the river and surrounding streets continue to locate the firearm. Police are asking for witnesses to come forward. They are specifically seeking camera footage, including dashcam recordings from motorists, of the areas around Abbey Street, Jervis Street, the Quays, and Temple Bar between 4:45 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. Those with information can contact Store Street Garda station at 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any local Garda station.