Unusual Incident: Soldier Arrested with Personal Weapon on Suspicion of Shooting — 14-Year-Old Minor Involved
Northern District police officers arrested an IDF soldier and a 14-year-old minor on suspicion of involvement in a shooting near the Kafr Kanna industrial zone. The soldier, who was on leave, was found in possession of his issued M16 rifle.
An unusual incident in the north: Northern District police officers arrested today, Thursday, an IDF soldier and a 14-year-old minor on suspicion of involvement in a shooting incident near the industrial zone in Kafr Kanna. It turned out that the soldier is a regular service combatant who was on leave, and during his arrest, his personal M16 weapon, issued to him as part of his military service, was found in his possession.
According to the police statement, a report was received regarding sounds of gunfire heard from an open area near the industrial zone. Upon receiving the report, police forces were deployed along the traffic routes surrounding the area and began searches to locate suspects. Within minutes, an off-road vehicle leaving the area was identified, blocked by the officers, and its two occupants were arrested.
During the search of the vehicle, the officers found an M16 rifle, along with evidence indicating that shots were fired from it shortly before. The police noted that the barrel of the weapon was "scalding" to the touch, which strengthens the suspicion that it was used shortly before the arrest.
Upon checking the driver's identity, it turned out that he is a regular service combatant on leave. Sitting next to him was a 14-year-old minor, who was also arrested for questioning. Investigators from the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) were summoned to the scene and will continue handling the case.
Police suspect that the soldier used his leave to conduct shooting in an open area. In addition, a suspicion is being investigated that he taught the minor how to use the military weapon or allowed him to fire it. The investigation is ongoing.
Israel Police stated that they will continue to act "with determination and zero tolerance" against shooting incidents, and called on the IDF to prosecute soldiers who exploit their access to weapons and harm the public's sense of security.
