Garda hailed as a hero after being struck by criminals in speeding van
Garda Michael Twomey, who is in his 30s, is recovering in Cork University Hospital after a dramatic Garda pursuit during the morning rush hour.
The officer had halted motorists on a main road on the northern outskirts of Cork City to help avoid any contact with a van which had earlier careered through city streets, often on the wrong side of the road, ramming Garda cars and other vehicles.
Garda Twomey was alerted to the van heading in his direction and halted traffic on the main Mallow-Cork road near the village of Rathduff.
As he performed his duty, the van emerged without warning from a side road and smashed into his motorcycle. He was thrown into the air and landed on the bonnet of a nearby car.
The stolen van, occupied by two men, did not stop and headed back towards the city. At the Blarney interchange, it crossed onto the wrong side of a dual carriageway.
As Garda patrol cars converged on the scene, the van left the dual carriageway at Blackstone Bridge and headed onto a minor road. At that stage, the high-speed pursuit ended. Gardaí arrested a passenger and, shortly afterwards, detained the driver, who had made a run for it through fields.
“Garda Twomey had the experience and foresight to ensure others were kept safe. I have no doubt that he saved lives,” said Supt Con Cadogan, who is leading the investigation.
Garda Twomey, who is married with a young family, is being treated for serious back injuries in Cork University Hospital.
The men arrested, who are 27 and 28, are reportedly well-known to gardaí. They are also suspected of being involved in burglaries during the early hours of yesterday.
Supt Cadogan said alcohol, cigarettes, and other property was discovered in the back of the van.
The men were being detained under of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at Gurranabraher Garda Station.
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