Two separate investigations are underway after a security worker suffered a suspected heart attack following an alleged confrontation with an off-duty garda, it has emerged.
The security officer is critically ill in hospital following the incident early late on Monday night and is fighting for his life in a Dublin hospital. And we have also learned that the garda was arrested following the incident in the centre of Dublin – and has now been suspended.
Gardai are investigating the incident on Wexford Street – and have also referred it to the independent policing watchdog, GSOC. Gardai and GSOC confirmed last night each organisation was carrying out investigations into the incident.
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We have learned that the off duty garda - who is based on the northside of the city – allegedly became embroiled in a row with a security worker on busy Wexford Street just before midnight on Monday. Gardai from nearby Kevin Street were called to what the force said was a public order incident at 11.45pm – and a man was arrested.
Following the arrest, the security worker suddenly fell ill early on Tuesday – and was hospitalised with a suspected heart attack. Kevin Street gardai fought to save his life and used a defibrillator to keep him alive.
He was then rushed to hospital, where he was seriously ill last night. As well as probing the incident, gardai also referred the matter to GSOC, which probes complaints against serving officers.
But as well as receiving complaints from members of the public GSOC also receives referrals from gardai of the force under section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act – which is if there is indication that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Gardai confirmed they were investigating the incident last night.
A spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a public order incident that occurred on Wexford Street, at approximately 11:45pm, Monday 13th March 2023. A male in his 30s was arrested for public order offences at the scene.
“Subsequent to the public order incident, and after the arrest, a male employee at the premises became unwell. Gardai at the scene provided first aid and used a Defibrillator machine, from a Garda vehicle, to stabilise the male.
“The male was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment for a medical condition where he remains in a serious condition. As this incident involved an off duty member of An Garda Síochána, the incident has also referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
“An Garda Síochána continue to investigate the circumstances of this public order incident and certain elements are also under investigation by the An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. A member of An Garda Síochána based in the Dublin region is currently suspended in relation to this incident.
“An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”
And GSOC also confirmed it has begun an investigation. A spokesman said: “GSOC received a referral from An Garda Síochána following a public order incident in Dublin City centre in the early hours of Tuesday 14 March 2023, in which an off-duty Garda member is suspected of having been involved.
“The referral was made by a Garda Superintendent on the morning of 14 March 2023 under Section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005. The matter is now under investigation by GSOC.
“As an investigation is now underway, there will be no further comment at this time.”
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