Early this morning in the Dungannon area, two police officers were injured when their patrol vehicle was rammed by a car driving on the wrong side of the road. The officers were able to get out of their Skoda Kodiaq police vehicle and successfully arrest the driver of the car, according to a statement from the PSNI.
The incident occurred around 1am when the police officers spotted a vehicle driving erratically. They signaled for the car, a silver Ford C Max, to stop on Millix Road, Ballygawley, but the driver ignored the signal and sped off. The officers then followed the vehicle to the Upper Cranlone Road area in their police vehicle. When the Ford driver saw the police car, he reversed at high speed and then drove forward on the wrong side of the road, crashing into the police vehicle.
Despite sustaining injuries, the two officers managed to apprehend the driver, a 49-year-old man, for various driving offenses including dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Superintendent Daniel McPhillips, the Mid Ulster District Commander, condemned the reckless actions of the suspect and praised the dedication of the officers who continued to carry out their duties after the incident.
The police vehicle suffered frontal damage and will be out of commission for repairs, affecting the local community. Authorities are asking anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam or doorbell footage of the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Information can be shared by calling 101 and quoting reference 50 17/10/24, or by visiting the PSNI website or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously.
In situations like this, where law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to protect the community, it is essential for the public to support their efforts and provide any information that can help bring perpetrators to justice. The dedication and resilience shown by the two officers in this incident exemplify the commitment of police officers to serving and safeguarding the people of Mid Ulster.
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