Four people were arrested in Clonaslee in the early hours of this morning following a frantic Garda chase from Tullamore that ended with a jeep colliding with a tree.
The incident happened after Gardai chased a Suzuki jeep from Tullamore – with the offending vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road, attempting to ram garda cars, throwing implements at them and shining a bright light in their direction. Their actions also forced other traffic to swerve to avoid being hit.
A statement from the Gardai said:
“At approximately 2.50am Gardai in Tullamore observed a Green Suzuki Jeep at Hayes Cross. This car was observed driving erratically and on the wrong side of the road.
“There were four occupants in the vehicle at the time. The offending vehicle continued through the town of Tullamore driving on the wrong side of the road at speed continuing up High street. It continued out towards Clonminch, Derryad, Kilurin, Killoughy and eventually crashing in Clonaslee village.
“During this period of driving the vehicle forced a number of private vehicles to take evasive action in order to avoid collisions. (The) driver attempted to ram a number of Garda vehicles and during the pursuit various items were thrown from the offending vehicle also shinning a very powerful spot light in an attempt to evade arrest.”
Four people – three male and one female – all from the Tullamore area were arrested after 3am. Two of them were juveniles.
The car was seized and the four were subsequently released pending further investigation. Garda appealing to any witnesses pedestrian or drivers who were affected by or observed this incident.
Elsewhere, a woman had her bag taken by a male while walking on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise at approximately 1.30am this morning. She was reported to be in shock and frightened after the incident and the male was understood to be wearing a blue jumper, red scarf and black pants.The jumper and scarf were later recovered in the area.
Anyone with information in either case is asked to contact the Gardai.
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