Father and Son Arrested in Ashkelon After Police Called for Mental Health Crisis

Police arrested a father and son in Ashkelon on Monday after the father called authorities for help during his son's psychotic episode. Family members and neighbors, however, allege that the responding officers used excessive force against both individuals, even after they were subdued on the ground. The police maintain that officers encountered resistance during the incident and were compelled to use force to gain control.

According to reports, the son, who has a history of mental health issues, was experiencing a severe episode, throwing objects and causing a disturbance. His father, overwhelmed and seeking assistance for his son to receive appropriate treatment, requested neighbors call the police. Instead of receiving the help he expected, the father claims he and his son were assaulted by the officers. He described the police's actions as aggressive, stating his son was kicked "like a ball" and that he himself was choked and beaten when he intervened.

A neighbor, identified as Sharit, corroborated the father's account, stating she heard the father "screaming for help" and witnessed officers pinning both father and son to the ground, continuing to assault them. She expressed disbelief at the level of violence, noting that the officers were called to assist the family. Another neighbor, who began filming the incident later, claimed the father and son were beaten while on the ground and unable to move.

The police issued a statement indicating that officers were dispatched to a report of mutual violence between a father and son. Upon arrival, attempts to control and detain the individuals were met with resistance, necessitating the use of force. Following the incident, both the father and son were arrested and taken to the police station. The neighbor expressed concern for their well-being after their prolonged absence from home.