2 soldiers on leave injured in nightclub shooting

Suspects from Hadera caught after police chase; reportedly opened fire after being turned away at door

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Illustrative photo of a gun. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Illustrative photo of a gun. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

Two IDF soldiers on leave were injured in a nightclub shooting in the Sharon region early Friday morning.

Two 26-year-olds from Hadera are suspected of opening fire at the Lola nightclub near the town of Kadima after bouncers turned them and two other friends away at the door. A scuffle broke out between the group and the bouncers, and one of the suspects threatened, “We’ll be back with a gun,” Ynet reported.

At least two of the friends did indeed return, opening fire at club-goers standing outside.

One of the soldiers was lightly injured, and the other was in moderate condition. They were taken by paramedics to the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba.

Police cordon off the scene of a shooting near Jerusalem. (illustrative photo: Flash 90)
Illustrative photo of police cordoning off the scene of a shooting near Jerusalem. (photo credit: Flash90)

The suspects fled in a vehicle, and were caught after a police officer manning a checkpoint near the Beit Lid Junction saw the car heading eastward on Route 57. Another police cruiser set up a roadblock at Burgata Junction and stopped the suspects’ car, according to Ynet. One of the suspects got out and threatened police with a knife, but was overpowered and arrested.

Knives and hammers were found in the car, but the gun used in the shooting was not initially located. Police were also searching for the other two individuals believed to be involved in the incident.

The two suspects under arrest were to be brought before a judge later Friday.

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