Suspected carjacker held after woman in her 70s was targeted

A serial criminal has been arrested by armed gardaí after carjacking a female pensioner in Dublin.

The suspect, who is aged in his 30s, is well known for involvement in burglaries and robberies, while he has also been the victim of a jailhouse attack in the past.

On Saturday night, gardaí were alerted to reports of two hijackings on the R136 at Grange Castle in Clondalkin, shortly after 9pm.

Witnesses reported that a man tried to force his way into one car but was unsuccessful, before targeting another vehicle.

It is understood the suspect jumped out in front of the passing car, causing it to come to a sudden stop.

The man then grabbed the motorist, aged in her late 70s, and forced the pensioner from her car before speeding away from the scene.

The victim did not suffer any serious physical injuries during the incident.

Gardaí said that a managed containment operation was put in place by local officers and members of the Armed Support Unit.

The stolen car was intercepted a short time later on the Kathleen Tynan Road in Tallaght and the suspect was arrested before being taken to a west Dublin garda station for questioning.

The Irish Independent understands the arrested man has more than 60 previous convictions, for crimes including burglary and robbery.

The suspect, who is from west Dublin, has also previously been the victim of an assault behind bars after being attacked by a number of inmates.

“He is known to gardaí in Dublin and is mainly linked to break-ins, shop thefts and robberies, and he has been on the garda radar since he was a teenager,” a source said.

The man, who was detained under section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, has been charged and is expected to appear before Blanchardstown District Court this morning.

A garda spokesperson confirmed the man has since been charged in relation to the investigation and will appear before Blanchardstown District Court.

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Grange Castle Road area of Clondalkin at around 9pm last night and who may have witnessed these incidents to come forward,” the spokesperson said.

“Any persons with camera footage, including dashcam, is asked to make this available to investigating gardaí at Clondalkin garda station on 01-6667600, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.”