A Palestinian suspect from Bethlehem drove a stolen car through the Hashmonaim crossing on Route 446, breached a police barrier, rammed police vehicles, and attempted to run over officers, police say. Officers, fearing for their lives, opened fire and arrested the suspect. The crossing is closed to traffic in both directions; the investigation continues.
A Palestinian suspect from Bethlehem was arrested early Tuesday after driving a stolen car through the Hashmonaim crossing on Route 446, breaching a police barrier, ramming police vehicles, and attempting to run over officers. Police opened fire, striking the vehicle and arresting the suspect. The suspect was wounded and is receiving medical treatment. The crossing remains closed to traffic in both directions as the investigation continues. Police said officers fired after perceiving a direct threat to their lives. The suspect's identity and any prior criminal record have not been released.
At 08:34 Jerusalem, the first reports indicated the crossing was closed Tuesday morning after a car theft suspect allegedly attempted to run over officers. By 08:33 Jerusalem, police had confirmed that officers opened fire, wounding and arresting the suspect, and that the incident was criminal rather than a terror attack. Video footage from a civilian at the scene circulated as the details solidified.
The Zioneer has reported on a series of vehicular incidents this month, including an attempted hit-and-run in Jerusalem's Zur Baher on Monday June 15 that police described as criminal, and a Friday June 12 arrest in Tulkarm for car theft and reckless driving. On Wednesday June 10, an Arab assailant documented an attempted vehicular attack on Jews in Samaria.
The suspect's motive remains unconfirmed and no formal charges have been announced. The precise chain of events leading to the barrier breach has not been independently verified.
6 developments
- StrongPolice arrest car-theft suspect who breached Hizma checkpoint; Border Police officer wounded
- DevelopingAttempted car-ramming attack at Hashmonaim checkpoint; soldiers fire, suspects flee
- DevelopingIDF soldiers open fire at suspected ramming attempt at Hashmonaim Crossing
- StrongPolice shoot suspected car-ramming attacker at Tel Aviv checkpoint
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