Downpatrick Officer Injured After Stolen Police Vehicle Strikes Him, Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested
A police officer in Downpatrick, County Down, was seriously injured after being struck by a stolen police vehicle early on Sunday morning. The officer, who fired his weapon during the incident, had been pursuing a suspect on foot after another vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area.
The incident escalated when officers returned to their police car on Colmcille Road, only to find another man in the driver's seat. The individual then drove the stolen police car directly towards the officer.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones confirmed that the officer "discharged one round from his firearm" but was subsequently hit by the vehicle. Immediate medical treatment was provided at the scene by colleagues and local community members before the officer was taken to hospital. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.
A 27-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Serious Crime branch are leading the investigation.
The stolen police car, the officer's weapon, and ammunition have been secured for forensic examination. In line with established procedures for police firearm discharge, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been notified, and their independent enquiries are now under way.
The incident began around 04:45 BST following a vehicle's failure to stop for police. After the initial pursuit, officers later located the abandoned vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area, leading to the foot chase that culminated in the officer being struck by the stolen police car.
