The male who shot and killed a Garda officer shot the officer 15 times, according to RTÉ News.
The officer, Detective Garda Colm Horkan, was murdered in Castlerea just before midnight on Wednesday 17th June.
Detective Horkan had stopped a male who was driving a motorbike on Main Street in the town.
A struggle then ensued, during which the suspect is reported to have taken hold of the officer’s firearm before shooting him.
Detective Horkan, from County Mayo, died at the scene.
A male in his 40s was arrested a short time later.
Hundreds of people turned out in Castlerea for a vigil in his memory on Thursday evening as a mark of respect for the slain officer.
Irish national broadcaster RTE says it understands Det Garda Horkan was on patrol in the town when he got out of his vehicle to engage with someone.
He became involved in a physical altercation and called for assistance.
It appears the detective’s official firearm was taken from him during the incident and shots were fired at the garda.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea Garda Station and the Detective Unit he served in.
“Colm served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Síochána.
“Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty.
“Today is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that Gardaí make to keep people safe.
“I want to thank the local community in Castlerea and the country as a whole for the support they have shown to An Garda Síochána and individual Gardaí even in the short time since the incident.
“The fatal shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan remains under investigation.
“I want to appeal to anyone with information on this incident or witnessed this incident to contact Castlerea Garda Station at 094 962 1635.”
