Driver Suspected in Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims He Was Attacked

The driver suspected of fatally striking 17-year-old Amichai Atia in Hadera early Friday morning claims he was attacked by a large group and feared for his life. In a conversation from his hospital bed, where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to the hand, the driver stated he was "surrounded by 40 to 50 people" during a Selichot prayer event. He asserted that the collision with Atia occurred as he was attempting to escape the mob and reverse his vehicle, insisting "I didn't intend to run anyone over, I am not a terrorist, I just wanted to get out of there alive."

The driver further explained that he did not stop after being shot, fearing that if he had, "they would have killed me." He is currently hospitalized and being questioned by police on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and endangering human life. His attorney is uncertain if his medical condition will permit him to attend a court hearing for the extension of his remand.

The incident began around 1:40 AM in the parking lot of a commercial center in Hadera, where many young people had gathered for Selichot prayers. An initial investigation suggests a confrontation erupted between the driver and a group of youths. Security camera footage reportedly shows the driver's commercial vehicle attempting to flee while being pursued by a crowd. During a turn within the parking lot, he struck Atia.

Onlookers, suspecting a nationalistic terror attack, alerted the local rapid response team. One member fired at the fleeing vehicle. The driver was apprehended by police shortly thereafter. Amichai Atia, a twelfth-grade student from the Itamar settlement, was evacuated by Magen David Adom paramedics with severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. He was remembered by his community and yeshiva as a beloved youth and active guide who went to pray with friends and never returned home.