Armed gardai called after man 'lost the plot' and went on terrifying 5-hour Sligo rampage
Garda Armed Response Unit (stock photo)
A man who “lost the plot” and went on a five-hour rampage in Sligo smashed up two garda vehicles with a hatchet while officers sat inside during the ordeal.
The terrifying incident began in a house in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Major concerns were raised over the safety of a person known to the suspect who was in the property at the time.
Gardai raced to the scene and tried to arrest him.
But while they tried to apprehend him, he smashed the windows of the garda jeep and also damaged a van.
During the incident, he also damaged the windows to the house and he pulled the slates off the roof.
He then barricaded himself in the house.
The Armed Support Unit, who had to travel from Donegal, also raced to the scene but distraction devices and pepper spray did not work.
Gardai requested a media blackout during the incident.
Cops were eventually able to arrest the suspect who is in his 30s and bring the situation to a close.
The Irish Mirror also understands the suspect was previously convicted over threats to kill a garda.
A Garda spokesman said: “Arising from this incident, a man aged in his 30s, has been arrested for criminal damage offences and is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Co. Sligo.
“No injuries have been reported at this time.
“Gardaí would like to thank the media for their cooperation during the Media Blackout.”
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