A teenage male has been apprehended following an incident in Newry that resulted in a police officer suffering a fractured vertebra.
The officer was seriously injured when their police vehicle was intentionally struck on Dublin Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning, May 21. Local Inspector Jonathan Ritchie reported that officers were dispatched after receiving reports of a vehicle operating erratically in the area around 2 AM.
Approximately an hour later, the errant vehicle was located and subsequently rammed into the responding police car. As a result of this assault, the officer has sustained a fractured vertebra, which will require significant time and support for recovery.
Inspector Ritchie emphasized, “This vehicle was effectively wielded as a weapon against law enforcement personnel. It is entirely unacceptable for those dedicated to safeguarding our community to be targeted in this manner.”
The police vehicle incurred extensive damage, necessitating its removal from the scene for repairs, which will affect operations within the local community.
The actions of the driver are unequivocally condemnable. Such reckless behavior poses a threat not only to law enforcement but also to the general public, and it is fortunate that we are not mourning any fatalities due to this incident.
A teenage suspect, who was arrested at the scene on various driving-related charges, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
