Netanya Man Charged with Armed Robbery After Knife Threat in Parking Lot
A Netanya man has been charged with armed robbery after threatening a woman with a knife in a railway station parking lot and taking 2,000 shekels.
A 29-year-old resident of Netanya, Darbabau Melkamu, has been charged with armed robbery and assault after threatening a woman with a knife in a parking lot near the city's railway station.
The incident took place late in the evening about two weeks ago. According to the indictment filed in the Central District Court, the defendant approached the victim as she was walking toward her car, grabbed her arm, and demanded her mobile phone while brandishing a knife. When she refused, he threatened her by saying he would stab her unless she handed over the device.
Despite the explicit threat, the woman continued to refuse to give up her phone. The defendant then shoved her multiple times in the waist area with the back of the hand holding the knife. Facing ongoing violence and intimidation, the victim offered him cash instead. She opened her bag and handed over approximately 2,000 shekels, after which the assailant released her grip and fled the scene.
Court records reveal that Melkamu has seven prior convictions, with the most recent dating back to 2024. His criminal record includes offenses such as burglary, theft, assault with intent to steal, and violation of a legal order. Having served lengthy prison sentences in the past, he also faces a suspended prison term that could be activated if he is convicted in the current case.
