40 convictions behind him: the accident in Eilat ended with assault on police officers

A Haifa resident was arrested in Eilat after crashing into a roundabout, refusing a breathalyzer test, and assaulting a police officer and a commander. The investigation revealed he has 40 prior convictions, including drunk driving and driving while disqualified. His detention was extended until Sunday.

A Haifa resident was arrested in Eilat after a car accident at a roundabout at the city's entrance. According to suspicion, he collided with another vehicle, and bystanders called emergency services. A police officer who arrived at the scene detected a smell of alcohol and requested a breathalyzer test, but the suspect refused, punched the officer in the face, and also assaulted a police commander who arrived. The police enlisted firefighters to subdue him. He was handcuffed and placed in the patrol car, but continued to riot and assault officers there as well. A preliminary investigation revealed he has 40 prior convictions, most in the Haifa court, including drunk driving, refusal to take a breathalyzer test, and life-threatening traffic offenses. Previous sentences included license disqualification, but he was caught driving while disqualified several times. During the detention extension hearing, his attorney, Dror Makler, argued that the suspect needed medical treatment due to violence used against him, but no document confirming this was found. Judge Yishai Berger partially accepted the police request and extended the detention until Sunday.