Rookie Garda chases down and arrests armed robbery gang
By Maurice Garvey
A ROOKIE garda, on the job for a mere three days, was instrumental in chasing down and arresting a suspected armed robbery gang, after a heist in Chapelizod on Sunday evening.
Two men armed with a machete and a meat cleaver threatened staff at a Spar on Martin’s Row at approximately 7pm - taking a till drawer containing €300.
An accomplice was waiting for them outside in a green Opel Corsa.
Fresh out of Templemore, the rookie and his more experienced colleague, who are based in Ballyfermot Garda Station, were first responders to the emergency call.
They arrived on the scene as the gang were attempting to make a quick getaway.
The getaway car was forced to stop, and a chase ensued on foot towards nearby Knockmaroon Hill.
The Echo understands, the rookie was threatened by one of the gang as he pursued him, but he kept going, and the Ballyfermot gardai arrested the suspect.
Garda reinforcements from Clondalkin and a team of detectives provided back-up in the search, combing the area and tracking down the other two suspects who were hiding behind a wall.
The three men from the north inner city, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s, were arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, at Ballyfermot Garda Station.
They were due to appear before Dublin District Court this morning.
