Drug deal in Kiryat Shmona ends in hit-and-run and axe attack

A drug deal in Kiryat Shmona deteriorated into an attempted hit-and-run and an attack with an axe and a bat. Five suspects were arrested, and the investigation revealed an attempt to provide a cover story and obstruct proceedings.

A drug deal that went wrong in Kiryat Shmona led, according to the indictment, to an attempted hit-and-run, an attack using an axe and a bat, and attempts to obstruct the investigation. Five suspects were arrested during the police investigation, and at its conclusion, the Northern District Attorney's Office filed indictments against them. The incident occurred on July 14 in the afternoon, when police received a report of a person evacuated in serious condition with bruises all over his body, and another person injured in a hit-and-run evacuated in mild condition. According to the investigation findings, shortly before the attack, two 20-year-old residents of Katsrin arrived in Kiryat Shmona to conduct a drug deal. According to the suspicion, the person who was supposed to buy the drugs from them told them he did not have the full payment for the deal or the money for a previous debt. The two left his house, joined another 20-year-old resident of Kiryat Shmona, and the three drove back to the victim's house. During the drive, they spotted the victim's brother and his friend walking on the street. According to the indictment, the driver accelerated toward them. They tried to avoid being hit, but one of them was struck by the car's mirror and evacuated for medical treatment in mild condition. Immediately after the incident, the three suspects arrived at the victim's house. According to the indictment, they attacked him with an axe and a bat, causing severe injuries including fractures to his face. Later, another suspect, a 70-year-old resident of Katsrin, arrived at the scene and allegedly helped the three escape. During the investigation, suspicion also arose of an attempt to obstruct the investigation. Another young man, 22, from Kiryat Shmona, came to the police station and gave a version claiming he was the driver. According to the investigation findings, the attackers also tried to convince him to give a version that people he didn't know attacked him, so he fled the scene, and that those same people carried out the serious attack. During the investigation, police located the involved parties, and the five suspects were arrested in various places across the country. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Northern District Attorney's Office filed indictments against the five. The offenses attributed to them include, each according to his part, aggravated assault, drug trafficking and supply, aiding aggravated assault, incitement in an investigation, obstruction of justice, threats, and possession of drugs not for personal use.