The incident began when Gardaí received a report of a van driving erratically on the N8 near Fermoy at around 9pm.
Gardaí attempted to stop the man but became aware he had four children and an infant in the van so proceeded with caution.
The driver of the van continued towards Cork city and drove to Mahon where he rammed three Garda cars in the space of twenty minutes.
The Armed Support Unit was mobilised from Anglesea Street in an effort to stop the chase and rescue the children.
The unit used a stinger device to puncture the tyres of the van and the man was arrested on the N28 Carrigaline Road at Carr’s Hill at around 10pm.
It’s understood all five children were uninjured during the dramatic chase- Gardaí made contact with their mother and Tusla while the man was taken to the Bridewell Garda Station where he can be detained for 24 hours.
Two Gardaí were also taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injures.
Gardaí have launched a full investigation and say it’s very fortunate that last night didn’t end in tragedy.
