Suspected car thief crashes and dies during cop chase in Jerusalem, police say

Officers responding to report of stolen vehicle shot at car's tires after driver refused to stop, whereupon he fled 'wildly' and drove against traffic, officials say

Cars are seen at the a-Tur Junction in Jerusalem after a suspected car thief got into an accident during a police chase, in a picture published by police on August 26, 2026. (Israel Police)

A suspected car thief in Jerusalem’s Katamon neighborhood crashed and died overnight during a police chase, law enforcement officials said Wednesday.

An officer and a civilian also received medical treatment for light wounds sustained in the incident, according to police.

Officers who were responding to a report of a car theft located the vehicle on the road and ordered it to stop, but the suspect refused, police said.

He instead “began fleeing wildly” and drove against traffic, “putting officers and drivers in tangible danger,” according to police.

The officers then shot at the car’s tires, but the suspect continued driving until he crashed into a pole and another car at East Jerusalem’s a-Tur Junction, police said.

The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was critically wounded and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

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