Police Open Fire on Suspected Stolen Car at Hashmonaim Crossing, Officer Nearly Hit

A dramatic incident unfolded Tuesday morning at the Hashmonaim crossing on Route 446, after police received a report that a stolen vehicle was heading toward the checkpoint. Officers prepared to stop it, but when the driver spotted the police he tried to escape by breaking through the barrier, striking police vehicles, and attempting to run over officers at the scene.

Police guarding the crossing said they feared for their lives and opened fire at the car. The vehicle was eventually stopped, but the intense gunfire almost hit one of the officers, who shouted, "You almost killed me, stop." The article says the officer was not harmed.

Medical teams treated the suspect, identified as a Palestinian resident of Bethlehem, and police remained at the scene as the investigation continued. Following the incident, Hashmonaim crossing was closed to vehicle traffic in both directions.

The report says the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.