Two Garda detectives on break stop attempted armed robbery

Michael Bolton

A man has been arrested following an attempted armed robbery of a retail premises on Military Road, Dublin on Wednesday.

At approximately 6:55pm a masked male entered the premises armed with a firearm and demanded money.

Two plain-clothes members of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), a man and a woman were present in the store at the time.

The male Detective Garda became aware of the ongoing attempted armed robbery and challenged the masked man.

The Detective Garda identified himself and was threatened by the masked male with the firearm.
A physical struggle ensued and the member was assisted by his female Detective Garda colleague, disarming and restraining the male.

The two Garda members were also assisted by a member of the public in the shop.

Shortly after, local Divisional resources responded to the incident and gardaí from the Divisional Detective Unit from Kilmainham Garda Station formally arrested the male.

The male, aged in his 40s, was taken to a Garda Station in Dublin where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

A firearm that is believed to be a replica has been seized and a ballistic examination will be conducted to determine its status under Irish legislation.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.

Both members are being provided with all necessary welfare supports by their local management.