Sergey Matatov named as uninvolved victim of Route 443 gang-related shootout

One of the people killed in the highway shootout in central Israel yesterday is named as Sergey Matatov, a civil engineer shot by armed motorcyclists during a targeted ambush linked to a gang-related dispute in Lod.

Matatov, who leaves behind his wife and young son, served many days on reserve duty, Hebrew outlets report. He had been driving to work on Route 443 north of Modiin when criminals driving a stolen motorcycle opened fire at three passengers in a jeep.

Two of the men in the jeep reportedly escaped their vehicle and tried to flee their attackers on foot while Matatov, fearing a terror attack, also stopped and got out of his car with his gun in hand. One of the motorcyclists dismounted and chased after the two men with an assault rifle, which is when the reservist was struck by a stray bullet, according to Haaretz, citing the ongoing police probe into the incident.

The gunman was shot and killed by IDF troops passing by the scene. His accomplice continued on the motorcycle but was soon arrested by officers from the Modiin police station.

Police are requesting a court extend the detained suspect’s detention and also plan to interrogate the jeep passengers targeted in the ambush, two of whom were seriously injured from the gunfire.

According to police’s initial findings, the shooting is linked to a violent dispute between rival factions of the Abu Qatifan crime family, based out of Lod.