Five arrested for police shooting

By Kim Saulse
07 April 2010

Five suspects have been arrested for their involvement in a police shooting that left two officers injured.

Warrant Officer Ian Bennett says police were carrying out stop and search patrols when two suspects walked towards them in Gleemoor Road in Athlone.

“When police members stopped to search the male suspect, a scuffle ensued. The suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at the police officers, injuring the Warrant Officer in the chest and the Constable in the neck,” said Bennett.

Both suspects fled in the direction of Kewtown. Police launched a search for the suspects in the area and managed to arrest four of the suspects. In their possession, police found two .38 revolvers and another stolen firearm.

A fifth suspect, also in possession of a firearm, was later arrested.

“It is alleged that the suspects were hiding in the park this morning to rob a taxi when the police officers approached them. One suspect is still at large.

“The police officers firearms were not taken and both were wearing bullet proof vests,” said Bennett.

The suspects, aged between 17 and 39 years old , will appear in court soon.

Both police officers are recovering in hospital.