Elderly woman dragged along car park by own vehicle as it was being stolen

The woman 'fractured her right shoulder, pulled skin off her face and her knees, her left hand was cut and she cut her right hand as well'

The woman, aged in her 70s, had been shopping in the Lidl store in Castlerea, Co Roscommon when the incident occurred. File picture: Denis Minihane

An elderly woman who was dragged along a car park by her own car as it was being stolen is being treated in hospital for a fractured shoulder and other injuries.

The woman, aged in her 70s, had been shopping in the Lidl store in Castlerea, Co Roscommon on Tuesday evening. At about 5.30pm, she was approached by a man who deceived her into thinking one of her left-rear car tyres was flat. When she got out of her car to check, he jumped into the driver seat and drove off.

“When she came back around to tell him the tyre wasn’t flat, she went to open the door and he drove off. Her hand got caught in the handle of the car door and she was dragged up along the car park,” explained a close relative of the elderly woman. 

“She fractured her right shoulder, pulled skin off her face and her knees, her left hand was cut and she cut her right hand as well. She is very shaken and the whole family is all very shocked over what has happened,” explained a relative.

She is currently being treated for her injuries at Sligo University Hospital.

Suspect

Investigating gardaí have confirmed that the suspected car thief has been identified from CCTV footage and from taking a number of witness statements.

The man who stole her car is described as a middle-aged man, of strong build, with dark hair. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans, and brown shoes. The car is described as a red Volkswagen Fox, with part registration 08 RN.

“From examining CCTV and taking witness statements, a potential suspect has been identified. The investigation is being progressed with the valuable assistance from the people of Castlerea,” said a spokesperson.

Local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice described the incident as “a terrible act on a lovely, elderly person”. 

“I believe she was hurt in the incident and I wish her a speedy recovery. I am very sorry for her and her family that this happened, and it’s a terrible thing to happen in Castlerea. I hope he is caught and I hope gardaí apprehend this person and retrieve the lady’s car as quickly as possible,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station at [phone].