Police had mounted a security operation in Castlewellan in connection with a possible robbery of a security vehicle making a cash delivery to a bank in the town.
Officers, who had been deployed to observation points around the bank, observed a man acting suspiciously in the area. Police stated that the man moved towards a security guard as he collected a cash box from the rear of the security vehicle. The suspect then produced a handgun, pointed it at the face of the guard and ordered him to drop the box.
The guard was seen to comply and the suspect stepped forward to pick up the box. Police officers were then ordered to intercept the suspect, and gave chase, ordering him on several occasions to stop and drop the weapon. The suspect, who kept on running, twisted round and looked over his shoulder at the officer who had shouted the warning. The officer then discharged two warning shots into the air and the suspect was seen to immediately drop the handgun and the cashbox but continued running in the direction of a getaway vehicle. The suspect and a man alleged to be the driver of the getaway vehicle were subsequently arrested.
Outcome of investigation:
Taking account of all the circumstances relating to the discharge of the firearm, the Police Ombudsman found that the use of such lethal force was both legal and proportionate. Having given a verbal warning, which was ignored, discharging his weapon was the only other option open to the officer, who feared for the safety of members of the public, his colleagues and himself. The discharge did not place anyone in danger, and achieved its desired outcome in that both suspects were detained without suffering physical injury.
No criminal or misconduct issues were identified against any member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland during this investigation. There were no complaints made by members of the public against any of the officers involved.