Palestinian Suspect Shot After Trying to Breach Checkpoint with Stolen Car

A Palestinian man in a stolen car tried to force his way through the Hashmonaim Crossing checkpoint early Tuesday morning, prompting police and security guards to open fire after they said they feared for their lives. According to police, the suspect, a resident of Bethlehem, was injured, arrested at the scene, and taken for medical treatment.

The incident happened shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Highway 446. Police said they had received a report moments earlier about a stolen vehicle heading toward the checkpoint, and forces were positioned there to stop it. Instead of stopping, the driver pushed between waiting vehicles, drove onto the sidewalk to bypass the line, and continued moving erratically in front of officers and motorists.

Video circulated on social media showed the car striking obstacles, reversing in an attempt to escape, and hitting vehicles that were stuck in traffic. Police said the suspect also tried to ram officers and hit police vehicles. After the car was blocked, several officers and guards approached and tried to open the doors, but the driver suddenly reversed and accelerated again.

Police said the shooting continued until the car came to a complete stop. One officer then opened the driver’s door and pulled the suspect out. The police said, “The suspect tried to breach the checkpoint and tried to run over police officers.” The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.