High voltage stun gun found in crashed car

GARDAÍ yesterday described as “a significant new development” the discovery of a high voltage stun gun in a car that crashed after a garda chase in Kerry and west Limerick.

A man in his 20s was arrested after the car crashed in a wooded area at Carrigkerry, following Thursday’s high-speed, 32-kilometre chase. A second person fled the scene.

Gardaí said a quantity of cannabis and a stun gun were removed from the car.

A garda patrol car was rammed in the chase, which took place during an organised garda drugs bust. The occupants of both cars were uninjured.

Inspector Martin McCarthy, Listowel, yesterday said the plan by the local garda drugs team was to intercept the car, which was suspected of being involved in the supply of drugs from Limerick to Kerry. However, the car failed to stop at a checkpoint in Athea.

Eight uniformed and plainclothes gardaí were involved, including reinforcements from Abbeyfeale, Askeaton and Newcastlewest.

“The fact that people suspected of being involved in the drugs trade are armed with a powerful stun gun, a potentially lethal weapon, is a significant new development and very dangerous,” said Mr McCarthy.

The man who was arrested was questioned in Listowel garda station and later released. A file is being prepared for the DPP.

A search is still continuing for the second man. Both men are believed to be from Listowel.