Police clash with East Jerusalem residents while responding to crash

Police on Saturday clashed with Palestinian residents of an East Jerusalem neighborhood while responding to reports of a traffic accident.

According to the force, officers who arrived at the scene of the crash in Jabel Mukaber had rocks and other objects thrown at them. A policeman struck in the face by a rock was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Police said other officers were then called to the scene, with one firing his gun in the air as they felt endangered. Officers used riot dispersal means to deal with the crowd, police added.

Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of rioting and assaulting police.

Video from Jabel Mukaber showed an officer striking a suspect in handcuffs. Police did not comment on the matter.

Along with the injured officer, police said a motorcyclist injured in the crash was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.