DEATH PROBE

Garda suspended amid watchdog probe into Louth hit-and-run crash that killed man, 40s

The incident happened just after 2.30am this morning

• Published: 18:27, 17 Mar 2024
• Updated: 18:27, 17 Mar 2024

A GARDA has been suspended amid a watchdog probe into a hit-and-run crash that killed a man this morning.

Shortly after 2.30am this morning, emergency services were told about a male pedestrian in his 40s who had been found unresponsive on Rathmullen Road in Drogheda, Co Louth.

Gardai quickly responded to the initial 999 call, which was originally thought to be a suspected assault, but was quickly established to be a hit-and-run incident.

He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood a car part was recovered from the scene, which led to identification of the owner and recovery of the vehicle allegedly involved.

A Garda source said: “It was a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this terrible time. Gardai have already gathered evidence and will work closely with GSOC on this investigation.”The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is also probing the incident after receiving a referral from a Garda Superintendent.

It is understood the investigation involves a member of An Garda Siochana who was off duty at the time of the incident and this officer has since been suspended.

There was no official garda vehicle involved and there have been no arrests in connection with the probe.

GSOC said in a statement: “GSOC received a referral from An Garda Síochána on the 17 March 2024, following a road traffic incident in Drogheda that took place in the early hours of the morning.

The matter is now under investigation by GSOC further to section 98 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005. As such, no further comment will be made at this time.”

Section 102(1) involves the referral of “any matter that appears…to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person”.

Section 98 lays out the investigative powers of GSOC officers, including powers of search and entry, arrest, detention and questioning.

GSOC is now looking for any footage at all of the incident, which happened between around 2am and 2.30am on Sunday.

GSOC added: “GSOC would like to speak to any witnesses who observed any incident, activity or interactions at this time and location.

Appeal

“GSOC would also welcome the provision of any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage witnesses may have captured.

“Anyone with information which may be of assistance is asked to contact GSOC at 0818 600 800 or info@gsoc.ie.”

The road was closed off this morning as it underwent an examination by a Garda forensic team.

A post-mortem will be carried out and gardai are calling for anyone with any information to come forward.

They said in a statement: “Gardaí in Drogheda appeal anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.