A woman who was involved in a hit-and-run incident and allegedly injured her senior Gardai in a life-changing manner was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after contacting Gardai.
Inspector Niall Flood was being treated at Cork University Hospital last night after being airlifted from the scene of the incident in Limerick at around 7:15 pm on Thursday.
A highly respected officer based at Limerick’s Henry Street Garda Station, when he bumped into a car from behind when biking down the minor road R522 between Dromcolliher and Feohanagh near Newcastle West. I suffered severe injuries to my legs and lower legs.
It is understood that a woman in her twenties, a mother from Limerick with a young child, escaped from the scene before coming into contact with Gardai and drove to a nearby property. The woman was arrested after a policeman rushed to the place and failed her breath test.
She was detained at Henry Street Garda Station yesterday while the damaged car she was driving was confiscated by investigators for technical inspection.
Her detention period was extended yesterday after she needed a doctor’s consultation during Garda’s detention.
It is understood that medical procedures were important to save his life as the flood inspector lay on the side of the road at the scene.
The incident caused a shock among his colleagues.
The Association of Sergeant Garda and Inspectors has expanded their wishes.
In a statement, Executive Secretary Antoinette Cunningham said:
“We are deeply resentful of this incident and broaden our wishes. We will be able to support our AGSI colleagues in the coming weeks and months.”
With birthdays and wedding anniversaries this weekend, the Inspector Flood is described as a “skilled and enthusiastic” cyclist as well as a “very hard-working Garda.”
He has been involved in a number of recent high-profile investigations in Limerick, including drug and firearm investigations targeting gang-grand crimes.
Gardai is calling on witnesses of horrific incidents and road users with dashcam footage from the area to move forward.