Yigal Cohen, 32, run over near Mitzpe Ramon; Israel Police chief: We'll come down hard on culprit.
By JPOST.COM STAFFyigal cohen 224 88(photo credit: Channel 10)
A Beduin driver who ran over and killed Negev District Police First Sgt.-Maj/ Yigal Cohen overnight Thursday is under arrest on suspicion of murder, police said Friday.
Form the initial inquiry into the incident, which occurred near Mitzpe Ramon, it emerged that Cohen noticed a car traveling toward him and indicated for the driver to stop. When the driver failed to do so, Cohen tried to get out of the way, but the suspect allegedly drove after the policeman and slammed into him.
After the impact, the driver lost control of his car and the vehicle turned over on the roadside. The driver and a passenger traveling in the car were unharmed and were promptly arrested by police volunteers, one of whom was allegedly attacked by one of the detainees.
Medics called to the scene tried to resuscitate Cohen but were eventually forced to pronounce him dead.
The lack of skid marks where the incident took place initially led police to suspect foul play.
Police were also checking whether the car, as well as building materials carried in the vehicle, was stolen.
Cohen, 32, served at the Mitzpe Ramon station. He is survived by a wife and two children.
Prior to Cohen's funeral, Israel Police Chief Insp.-Gen. David Cohen said anyone who harms a police officer would be brought to justice.
"I view with the utmost severity harm caused to police officers who put their lives at risk in enforcing the rule of law and for the safely of our citizens," he said.
"The Israel Police will come down hard on anyone who crosses the red line and physically harms a police officer. Anyone who does so will be brought to justice."
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