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Jerusalem – A policewoman was critically injured in Jerusalem on Thursday after being shot by a mentally ill man while responding to reports of a suicidal individual barricaded in his apartment.
The 25-year-old officer, who volunteered to approach the scene, sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to Hadassah Medical Center Ein Kerem. The shooter was arrested following a tense confrontation.
The incident occurred after police and rescue services were called to the man’s apartment amid reports that he posed a danger to himself.
The suspect, who had reportedly barricaded himself for days without food or water, was known to be armed with a licensed firearm.
As emergency responders attempted to negotiate with the man and reach him via a ladder, the situation escalated when a decision was made to forcibly enter the residence.
The man immediately opened fire, striking the policewoman and narrowly missing firefighters at the scene. Shrapnel from the gunfire lightly injured the rescue personnel.
Emergency Response and Witness Accounts
United Hatzalah medic Yaakov Morgenvaser, who responded to the scene, recounted the chaotic moments following the shooting.
“I was going up to the apartment to treat a person, not knowing what was wrong with him, when I heard a gunshot. The policewoman, just 30 meters from me, fell down with a bullet to her head,” he told Kan news.
After evacuating the injured officer, Morgenvaser described how the situation remained volatile as more gunshots rang out. “It took significant force to overpower the shooter,” he added.
Another paramedic on-site revealed that the injured officer had volunteered to take another colleague’s place in the response, as he was preparing for his upcoming wedding.
Shooter Known as ‘Eccentric’ by Neighbors
Neighbors of the shooter described him as an eccentric individual who was often seen carrying his gun but did not appear outwardly threatening.
“He always walked around with his gun, but we didn’t think it was weird or unusual,” one neighbor told Walla news.
Police reports confirmed the man had been issued a firearm license despite his known mental health issues. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his possession of the weapon and the events leading up to the shooting.
Police and Firefighters Commended
Jerusalem District Commander Nizav Amir Arzani arrived at the scene to oversee the investigation. The police praised the swift response of the officers and rescue personnel, emphasizing their efforts in containing the situation and preventing further harm.
The critically injured policewoman remains in intensive care. Her bravery, particularly in volunteering to approach the dangerous scene, has been widely lauded.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry into the incident, including the mental state of the shooter and the handling of his firearm license.
The case has also prompted discussions about safety protocols for responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The incident underscores the risks faced by first responders and has drawn attention to the need for heightened measures in dealing with armed individuals in distress.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members