Convicted murderer arrested in connection with series of chaotic armed robberies across Dublin – The Irish Times

Gardaí have arrested a notorious offender serving a prison sentence for murder on suspicion of carrying out a series of chaotic armed robberies across Dublin in recent days.

The suspect, a Dubliner in his 40s, has numerous previous convictions, including aggravated robbery.

The incidents involved violent threats against staff, with the Garda suspect producing a knife and a syringe. Garda examined CCTV footage from some of the businesses and identified the arrested man as the prime suspect.

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“Following reports of seven armed robberies at supermarkets and petrol stations in Rathmines, South Circular Road, Clondalkin and Ronanstown in the recent period, an operations centre has been established at Clondalkin Garda Station under the supervision of a senior investigating officer,” a statement from Garda headquarters said on Wednesday evening.

Gardaí from Ballyfermot, Tallaght and Clondalkin stations were involved in the investigation.

The suspect was arrested in Tallaght on Wednesday as part of an operation carried out by the Clondalkin District Criminal Investigation Department and Community Action Group with the assistance of Tallaght Gardaí.

The man was questioned at a Dublin Garda station on Wednesday evening under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows questioning for up to 24 hours without charge.

The man was previously in prison for killing another person and also has a long list of other violent crimes, including robberies. A chronic drug user, he has more than 50 previous convictions in total.