Issue Date: 26/05/2021
Shortly after 7pm, today Tuesday 25th May 2021 Gardaí were alerted to an incident reporting that gunshots had been heard in the vicinity of Whitechapel Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Plain clothes and uniform Gardaí supported by Armed Support Units responded to the scene.
An armed plain-clothes unit at the scene came under fire. The Garda members took cover behind a patrol car and an exchange of firearms occurred between the male and the armed detectives. The patrol car was struck a number of times by bullets.
Both male detective Gardaí, 30’s, received gunshot wounds to the foot and one also received a hand wound.
Responding Garda Units sealed off the area around the house in Whitechapel Grove. Both inner cordons of Armed Support Unit personnel and an outer cordon of uniform and plain clothes Gardaí was established.
A number of houses in the area were evacuated for the safety of the occupants.
An Garda Síochána put in place a Critical Fireman’s Incident response, an Operational Commander was appointed; supported by resources from National Negotiators Unit, Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Units.
An extended barricade incident developed and following intensive negotiations, shortly after 9.30pm two firearms, an automatic pistol and a handgun, were surrendered from the house. Both firearms and ammunition have been recovered.
A short time later a male, in his late 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939.
Both injured Garda detectives are currently receiving medical treatment at Connolly Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening gunshot wounds.
Gardaí at Blanchardstown continue to investigate all the circumstances of this critical firearms incident.
As the incident involved the discharge of official Garda firearms the incident has also been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
The Garda Commissioner tonight has said "I want to commend all the Gardaí involved in securing a successful outcome to this firearms incident. In particular, the bravery of the two detectives who were first on scene. This was another in a long line of examples of Gardaí putting themselves on the line to keep people safe. I want to wish them a speedy recovery."
Investigating Gardaí at Blanchardstown Garda Station would appeal to any person with any information in relation to this incident to contact the investigation team at Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 6667000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 111.
