Drug Deal in Kiryat Shmona Ends in Attempted Run-Over and Axe Assault

A drug transaction in Kiryat Shmona on July 14 escalated into a violent incident involving an attempted vehicular assault and an attack with an axe and club, according to the indictment. Police responded after reports of two injured individuals: one seriously wounded with multiple injuries and another lightly hurt from a car collision. The investigation revealed that two 20-year-old men from Katzrin came to Kiryat Shmona to sell drugs but the buyer lacked full payment, including a previous debt. After leaving the buyer's home, the sellers met a third 20-year-old local man, and all three returned to the buyer's residence. During the drive, the vehicle accelerated toward the buyer's brother and his friend walking on the street, hitting one with the car's side mirror. The trio then assaulted the buyer at his home with an axe and club, causing severe facial fractures. A 70-year-old Katzrin resident later arrived and allegedly helped the attackers flee. The investigation also uncovered attempts to obstruct justice, including a 22-year-old from Kiryat Shmona who falsely claimed to have been the driver and was pressured to provide a misleading account blaming unknown assailants. Police arrested five suspects across the country. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office charged them with aggravated assault, drug trafficking, aiding assault, obstruction of justice, threats, and drug possession beyond personal use.