Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell off duty when he was attacked and shot multiple times by gunmen. He had just finished coaching a youth football team.
He was with his son while putting balls in the trunk of his car at around 20:00 local time. According to reports, he’s stable but in critical condition at the Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.
According to Chief Constable Simon Byrne, three men aged 38, 45, and 47 have all been detained in connection to the attack. They were arrested in Omagh and Coalisland.
Mark McEwan, assistant chief constable of the PSNI, stated that the inquiry is focusing on New IRA ties.
He however stated that police are maintaining an open mind and will go after all individuals with disregard for community.
The shooting has been criticized by political figures such as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
Shot in front of children
Children at the sports facility witnessed the attack and fled in panic when they heard gunshots according to McEwan.
“John was concluding his coaching duties with a youth football squad. He was in the company of his small kid ” continued
He ran a few meters after he was shot before he collapsed to the ground. The shooters kept firing. He also praised the citizen who rendered first assistance to the injured officer.
Mr. Byrne claims the incident has sent a Shockwave across the organization and officers are outraged.
The last armed assault against a PSNI officer occurred in January 2017. In a gas station in North Belfast when PSNI officer was wounded by automatic gunfire.
The police think the assailants fled in a tiny, black automobile, which was discovered burnt out west of Omagh.
According to reports, the 48-year-old underwent surgery overnight and will undergo another surgery on Thursday.
The last time a police officer was killed was way back in 2011 when Ronan Kerr was murdered.
John Caldwell had been actively investigating dissident republicans before the attack..
