A MAN IN his 30s was arrested yesterday evening after leading gardaí on a car chase in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, that left three Garda vehicles damaged.

A Garda spokesperson said a member of the force had been on patrol in the Blanchardstown area when they observed a motorist driving dangerously.

“The vehicle failed to stop when directed to do so and a ‘spontaneous pursuit’ commenced,” the spokesperson said.

Gardaí used a stinger device to deflate the vehicle’s tyres, in an attempt to bring it to a halt. 

“The vehicle continued to drive on in a dangerous manner and collided with a number of Garda patrol cars, who successfully prevented the vehicle from entering contra-flow onto the N3 dual Carriageway, endangering the public,” gardaí said. 

After being brought to a halt, the driver was arrested and taken to a Dublin Garda Station, where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The spokesperson said neither the driver nor any gardaí were injured, but that three Garda patrol cars were damaged.

Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty of Blanchardstown Garda Station praised the “skill and precision, quick thinking and fearlessness” of the gardaí involved.  

“The courage and professionalism of members of An Garda Síochána attached to Blanchardstown, Cabra and Finglas that worked together as a team during last night’s incident, brought it to a safe conclusion because they exhibited their strong knowledge and expert training.”