Garda survives 100mph smash
The garda managed to avoid a head-on collision with the vehicle, which was carrying four people. All four were all later arrested.
"It was travelling at a savage speed, around 100mph, and clipped the patrol car. If it was a head-on the five would have been killed. That's how serious it was," said a garda source.
The collision at Clonfad, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon occurred at about 12.30pm yesterday, following a chase which originated in Birr, Co Offaly at around 11am.
Gardaí in Birr started chasing the car after spotting it being driven in the town.
The car a maroon Ford Focus was stolen in Gort, Co Galway last week.
At the time of the chase, there were two men and two women, all in their early 20s, in the car.
As is Garda practice, the patrol car did not engage in high-speed pursuit, but followed at a distance and radioed ahead for assistance.
The car drove into Roscommon before the crash.
The Ford had a blow-out and the thieves were later forced to abandon it.
They drove about a quarter of a mile through a field and into Drumalga Woods.
Gardaí began a search of the woods supported by the garda helicopter. At around 1am they cornered the two men and arrested them.
About an hour later the two women were arrested.
All four were detained in Ballinasloe station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
