Man still on the run after fleeing gardaí

GARDAÍ are continuing a search for a male who evaded arrest on Thursday last by escaping on foot in Ballymacelligott following dramatic events in the townland of Gortatlea.

Gardaí on routine patrol at around 8.30pm in the Ballymacelligott area spotted a vehicle which they believed may have been involved in a burglary in the previous days and made an attempt to halt the vehicle.

The driver refused to stop and hit both the patrol car and a civilian vehicle to evade gardaí.

Minor damage was caused to the garda car, which the vehicle “glanced off” while escaping. However, significant damage was caused to a car with two unsuspecting women inside. They were unharmed but took the brunt of damage in the events on the night.

The driver of the car, a male, then escaped on foot from gardaí and was believed to be in the vicinity of Ballymacelligott.

A community text alert was then sent to locals in the Ballymacelligott area seeking information on the male who had evaded garda detection. Locals were not taking any chances having heard that a man was on the run and immediately locked their doors and cars.

Despite an extensive search, the suspect was not found, and gardaí are this week continuing their enquiries.

Gardaí from Tralee were called to assist in the unfolding situation and, during the course of searching a number of vehicles in the area, they detected another man with cannabis (pictured right) in his vehicle.

The seized cannabis herb has an estimated street value of €12,000, according to gardaí.

The man was arrested at the scene and brought to Tralee Garda Station. He has since been charged.