Jerusalem Court Sentences Man to 4 Years for Shooting Police Officer
The Jerusalem District Court sentenced Haim Tajar to four years in prison for shooting at rescue forces, critically injuring 22-year-old police officer Hodia Hailperin.
The Jerusalem District Court sentenced Haim Tajar, a resident of Pisgat Ze'ev, to four years in prison on Tuesday after he was convicted of shooting at police and rescue forces who arrived at his home to assist him. The bullet struck the doorframe, deflected, and hit the head of female police officer Hodia Hailperin, who sustained critical injuries. In addition, the court sentenced Tajar to a suspended prison term and ordered him to pay 75,000 shekels in compensation to the officer.
Call for Help and Armed Confrontation
Emergency forces were dispatched to Tajar's home following a report that he was in a distressed mental state and that there was concern for his life. When police officers, firefighters, and rescue teams attempted to enter the apartment to check on his well-being, Tajar—who knew they were security and rescue personnel—retrieved his legally licensed handgun, cocked it, and positioned himself directly in front of the entrance door.
Approximately three seconds after the door was half-opened, Tajar fired a single shot toward it. The bullet struck the frame, ricocheted, and struck the head of Hailperin, who was 22 years old at the time. She suffered a penetrating head injury, a shattered skull, and severe brain trauma, the consequences of which she continues to bear to this day.
Prosecution Demands Seven Years
«The defendant was sane at the time of the act. The defendant was able to understand what he was doing and the wrongfulness of his action,» stated the ruling.
Tajar confessed and was convicted as part of a plea bargain on a charge of aggravated grievous bodily harm. The agreement did not include an arrangement regarding the sentence. The Jerusalem District Prosecution, represented by Adv. Sami Hourani, requested an operative sentencing range of six to ten years and asked the court to impose seven years in prison, alongside compensation of at least 150,000 shekels for Hailperin.
The prosecution argued that the shooting was a severe act of violence that placed additional police officers and firefighters standing near the door in mortal danger. They further asserted that Tajar's actions prior to the shot—drawing the weapon, cocking it, positioning himself by the door, and aiming—demonstrate that it was not a momentary loss of control.
Court Verdict and Reactions
The court emphasized the severe and ongoing impact on Hailperin, who nearly lost her life and was left with physical, cognitive, and mental limitations affecting her daily functioning and independence. Despite the prosecution's demand, the court handed down a four-year prison sentence.
Adv. Hourani stated following the verdict: «We wish to strengthen Hodia, who deals daily with the severe injury that changed her life.» The prosecution added that they would review the ruling and consider their next steps.
