Man Charged Over Attempted Murder of Senior Officer

Published: 20November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A man has been formally charged in connection with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, the senior officer who was shot multiple times while off duty in February 2023. The arrest marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has drawn widespread attention across Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom.

The 73-year-old suspect was detained under the Terrorism Act in the Ardboe area on Tuesday. Police confirmed that he is facing charges of preparing terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing national security implications of the incident. He is scheduled to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where the proceedings will formally address the charges against him.

A second man, aged 37, was also arrested in connection with the investigation on the same day. However, following questioning, he has been released and will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), indicating that authorities are continuing to review the evidence relating to all parties involved.

Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell, a senior figure in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), was off duty when the attack occurred. On the evening of February 2023, he had been coaching a youth football team at a sports complex in Omagh, County Tyrone. It was during this routine community engagement that he was targeted in a violent shooting, leaving him seriously injured and prompting an extensive law enforcement response.

The attempted assassination of a senior officer sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing threat of targeted attacks against public officials in Northern Ireland, even years after the main period of political violence. Following the incident, the PSNI launched an intensive investigation, deploying specialist counter-terrorism resources to identify suspects and secure evidence in what was described as a meticulously planned attack.

Sources familiar with the case have indicated that the investigation involved extensive surveillance, forensic examination, and the gathering of digital evidence, which culminated in Tuesday’s arrests. The police have emphasized that the charges reflect not only the attack itself but also associated acts intended to obstruct justice, including attempts to conceal evidence or mislead investigators.

The community response to the shooting was immediate, with residents expressing solidarity for DCI Caldwell and condemning the attack on an officer engaged in mentoring young people. Local leaders and political figures have repeatedly praised Caldwell’s dedication to both policing and community service, noting that the targeting of an off-duty officer engaged in youth work strikes at the heart of public trust in law enforcement.

Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell survived the shooting, thanks in part to rapid emergency medical response. He has since continued to recover and remains highly regarded within the PSNI for his professionalism and leadership. The attempted murder has also prompted renewed discussion about the protection and security measures afforded to senior officers, particularly when carrying out roles outside the immediate duties of policing.

The PSNI has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigating any acts of terrorism or violent crime that threaten the safety of officers and the public. Assistant Chief Constable colleagues have described the successful arrest and charging of the 73-year-old as a critical step in delivering justice and sending a clear message that attacks against police personnel will be met with the full force of the law.

Authorities have also called on the public to continue supporting the investigation by providing any information that could assist in resolving outstanding questions related to the case. The broader implications of the incident underline the complex challenges faced by Northern Irish police in balancing community engagement with counter-terrorism vigilance, a task made all the more sensitive given the region’s historical context.

While the legal process now moves to the courts, the PSNI and PPS have stressed that the investigation remains active. The release of the second individual arrested does not diminish ongoing efforts to establish accountability for all those involved. Legal experts anticipate that the upcoming magistrates’ hearing will clarify the scope of the charges and set the stage for any subsequent proceedings in higher courts.

Public officials have highlighted the resilience of law enforcement personnel like DCI Caldwell, noting that the officer’s dedication to mentoring and community policing exemplifies the ongoing work to strengthen ties between the police and the communities they serve. The attack, while deeply disturbing, has prompted renewed dialogue on the importance of supporting officers in both their professional and community roles.

As the case develops, attention is likely to remain focused on both the judicial process and the wider measures taken by the PSNI to protect personnel from targeted attacks. The charge of preparation of terrorist acts underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating threats against public servants, and signals a continued emphasis on pre-emptive action to prevent further incidents.

The incident in Omagh remains a stark reminder of the persistent risks faced by police officers in Northern Ireland. While decades have passed since the height of political violence, targeted attacks, particularly those involving off-duty officers engaged in community work, continue to pose a serious concern. The successful identification and charging of a suspect in this case is a testament to the diligence of law enforcement agencies and their commitment to upholding public safety.

Moving forward, the courts will play a pivotal role in adjudicating the charges, with the magistrates’ hearing on Thursday serving as the first formal stage in the legal proceedings. Both the PSNI and the PPS have emphasized the importance of ensuring due process while also conveying the severity of the offences. Observers expect that the outcome will have broader implications for security protocols surrounding police personnel in the region.

Communities in Omagh and beyond have rallied around DCI Caldwell and his family, expressing gratitude for his service and concern for his well-being. Local football clubs, youth organisations, and civic leaders have publicly condemned the attack, reinforcing the widespread support for law enforcement and the collective commitment to maintaining safety and security.

In addition to the immediate legal proceedings, the case has reignited public discussions on terrorism-related legislation, counter-terrorism policing strategies, and the measures necessary to protect off-duty officers from potential harm. Experts note that the ongoing investigation and subsequent prosecutions are likely to inform future policies and operational procedures designed to prevent similar incidents.

As Northern Ireland continues to navigate the legacy of past violence and the challenges of present-day security threats, the arrest and charging of a suspect in this high-profile case represents a critical step toward justice. The broader message is clear: attacks against officers, particularly those serving their communities, will be met with robust legal action, and the institutions responsible for law enforcement are committed to ensuring accountability at all levels.