Man who shot himself was part of rape inquiry

A separated father who shot himself in a 4x4 in Drogheda in the early hours of yesterday morning had been questioned by gardaí about an alleged rape.

Gardaí in the Louth town had been preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation into the alleged incident.

It is understood the allegation was made recently by a prostitute who had complained a man had raped her after arranging to meet her at a local hotel.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death yesterday.

He was named locally as David Kelly from Grangerath estate in Drogheda. There is nothing to suggest a connection between the incidents.

It’s understood he came to the attention of gardaí at around 5am yesterday after a Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 he was driving was seen travelling at speed at the Haymarket Bridge in the town centre.

Gardaí stopped him a short distance later and it was believed a shotgun was clearly on view in the 4x4.

It was understood the man was the owner of a firearms licence. After stopping for gardaí, the vehicle then left the scene at speed.

The 4x4 went along the Dublin road in Drogheda and gardaí went in pursuit of it at a distance.

A Garda car was dispatched to the estate the man lived in to try and locate the 4x4 and, a short time later, the vehicle was spotted driving back towards Drogheda. The 4x4 drove to the North Strand, a quiet street close to the quays, and parked there.

A patrol car pulled up on the North Strand and it’s believed that gardaí only became aware they were so close to the vehicle they were hoping to locate when two shots were discharged.

It is understood the shots were not fired in the direction of gardaí.

The Garda car reversed at speed from the scene and support from the armed garda Regional Support Unit was requested.

Gardaí also called in the service of a specialist negotiator but it’s understood that when the armed gardaí approached the 4x4 they discovered what appeared to be the lifeless body of the driver.

The GSOC appealed for any witnesses to make contact with the commission. A spokesperson said it was looking for assistance from anyone who may have seen a silver Santa Fe 4x4 parked on the North Strand, Drogheda, between the hours of approximately 5am and 7am and to contact it at 1890 600 800.

“The incident has been referred to the Garda Ombudsman by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005,” a spokesperson said.

“The referral was made to the Garda Ombudsman because there had been some interaction between gardaí and the deceased prior to the discovery of his body.”