THE delivery driver killed in a targeted hit-and-run attack has been remembered by loved ones as a “great character” and “gentle soul”.
Mircea Rostas, aged in his 30s, was mowed down during an evening of chaos on Monday in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin.
The chief suspect in the incident was arrested by appointment yesterday evening and remains in garda custody being quizzed.
Gardai believe it is part of a dispute involving some members of the Roma community.
Victim Rostas was on foot when he was struck by a BMW on Railway Street in the town.
As bystanders rushed to his aid, family members came upon the scene and screamed in horror.
Grim footage of Rostas lying lifeless on the path emerged, with one man attempting to carry out CPR before ambulance personnel arrived, but they could not save his life.
As his relations and friends come to terms with his passing, they have paid tribute to the victim, who was also known by the name of Sabane.
His cousin said: “I’m speechless. Sleep in peace, gentle soul. You left too soon, leaving us all with a lot of pain.”
Another pal said: “I can’t believe that you left so early and innocent, such a good soul and a great character, my brother. God rest your soul.”
While another man known to him wrote: “My brother, I have no words, I can’t find the words.
“You were a true brother, a man of God.
“I will not forget you all my life, may God rest you and have you in peace.”
The car which struck the victim and fled that scene was struck by another vehicle being driven by associates of Rostas right outside Balbriggan Garda Station before a huge scuffle then broke out.
The chief suspect, in his 40s, knew Rostas well.
The Irish Sun can reveal that he is suspected of carrying out an assault linked to the same dispute some weeks ago.
‘TENSIONS BUILDING’
A source told us: “This is a local feud which has been ongoing for a period of time, with tensions building.
“Then it totally kicked off on Monday night. The hit-and-run incident was callous and clearly targeted.
“There were then other incidents which happened as a result.
“It was absolute mayhem for the gardai there.
“Those involved, and the man who died, are all known to each other.”
CASE UPGRADE POSSIBLE
Gardai may upgrade the case to murder given the targeted nature of the incident.
A post-mortem was carried out by the Office of the State Pathologist at Dublin city mortuary yesterday.
A preliminary report has been furnished to the investigation team.
Gardai say an incident room has been established at Balbriggan Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed.
A Garda Family Liaison Officer has been assigned and is providing support to the Rostas’ relatives.
APPEAL
A spokesman said: “Investigating Gardai are appealing to the public for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
“They are particularly interested in the movements of a black saloon car observed in the area at the time, which was later abandoned following a collision on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan with a second saloon car shortly after the fatal incident.
“Gardai are appealing to any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Railway Street and Drogheda Street areas of Balbriggan between 8:30pm and 9:30pm to make it available to investigators.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 666 4500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
“An Garda Síochana is aware that images and video footage related to this incident are circulating on social media and messaging platforms. We are appealing to anyone who receives this content to refrain from sharing or reposting it further.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
