Major manhunt underway as ‘shocking’ bodycam footage shows Garda dragged along by high-powered Audi that fled after stop

A MAJOR manhunt is underway after a Garda was dragged by a car which fled after he tried seizing it. 

The officer had his bodycam on during the incident, capturing footage of his engagement with the Lithuanian suspect behind the wheel of a blue Audi A6 before he took off. 

The incident happened in Dublin’s north inner city on Wednesday evening near Mountjoy Square. 

The UK-reg of the high powered vehicle had been flagged after ramming a PSNI car up north just days beforehand. 

The Gardai stopped the car and one of the officers engaged with the 35-year-old driver, who handed over his passport. 

The Garda established he had no insurance and a live bench warrant in existence for his arrest here. He informed the man his car was being seized. 

The man began to take off as the Garda spoke to him. 

The cop was dragged along by the vehicle as he repeatedly shouted at the man to stop and pepper-sprayed him.

But he managed to flee, before multiple units responded, including the Armed Support Unit and the Garda helicopter. 

The car was last seen in Swords but got away again. 

Gardai are hunting for the suspect and engaging with the PSNI as they suspect he may have driven up north. 

A source said: “There is bodycam footage which is shocking to watch. 

“The Garda who was dragged by the car did everything he could and was very lucky not to have been very badly injured. 

“The man will be caught and that footage will be crucial in prosecuting him.” 

The Garda Representative Association said the incident is another stark reminder of the increasing dangers faced by Gardai every day while carrying out their duties. 

President Niall Hodgins said: “It is deeply concerning that attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are becoming increasingly prevalent, with offenders demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of those tasked with protecting our communities.

“Every Garda who reports for duty deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift. No member should face the prospect of being assaulted, seriously injured, or worse, simply for enforcing the law.

“The GRA extends its full support to our injured colleague and wishes them a full and speedy recovery. We also acknowledge the professionalism and courage displayed by all members who continue to serve despite the growing levels of violence directed towards them.”

He insisted the Government need to take action to send a clear and unequivocal message that violence against Garda members will not be tolerated.

He added: “The Garda Representative Association is calling on the Government to introduce mandatory minimum custodial sentences for any offender convicted of an offence that results in injury to a member of An Garda Siochana in the execution of their duties.

“Those who deliberately assault or injure Gardai must face meaningful consequences that reflect the seriousness of these offences and serve as a genuine deterrent to others.

“Our members place themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public. They deserve the full backing of the justice system and the confidence that those who attack them will be held fully accountable.

“The GRA will continue to advocate for stronger legislative protections, tougher sentencing, and the resources necessary to ensure Garda members can carry out their duties safely and effectively.

“The safety of Garda members is not negotiable. An attack on a Garda is an attack on the rule of law itself, and it must be treated as such.”