A man has been arrested and will be brought before court this morning following an alleged attempted abduction in Laois.
On April 26, a woman reported that she had been the victim of an attempted kidnapping at a location between Portlaoise and Mountmellick.
She reported that she was out for a run on a local road in the Eyne area that takes in Killeen, Eyne and Derrydavy.
According to the woman, a driver passed her, stopped his car and waited for her around a bend.
When she attempted to run by, he is alleged to have outstretched his arms and attempt to grab her.
The woman managed to evade the man and fled to a nearby house where she raised the alarm.
A Garda investigation took place over the weeks that followed and today, Gardai have confirmed that a man in his 40s was arrested.
He was charged and is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning.
A spokesperson said: “Gardaí received a report of an alleged incident that is reported to have occurred on Friday evening, 26th April 2024 in Mountmellick, Co. Laois.
“A male in his 40s has since been arrested in relation to this incident.
“He was charged contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 and is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning, Monday 13th May 2024.
“Gardaí are investigating an incident that occurred on Saturday evening, 11th May 2024 in Mountmellick, Co. Laois.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the Mountmellick Rural Text Alert Group have said that another attempted abduction took place on Saturday evening.
They said: “Another attempted abduction in Killeen, Mountmellick (Saturday evening).
“We have received a text about a another similar incident to what happened last week, to a lady out walking in Killeen this evening.
“This area neighbours Eyne where the same attempt occurred previously. We have no further details.
“Please remain vigilant and stay safe. It might be best to walk/run/jog in pairs for safety. Keep your phone with you. Report any suspicious activity. Look out for each other.”
Gardai were asked about this case and while they could not say if it was related to the previous arrest, they confirmed an investigation was underway.
They said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident that occurred on Saturday evening, 11th May 2024 in Mountmellick, Co. Laois.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
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