A police officer was set on fire and two others were injured Thursday while responding to a report of a man in distress at a gas station near the Kiryon shopping complex, police said.
Officers from the Zevulun police station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of a suspicious man whose life was believed to be in danger. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly threw a flammable substance at the officers, igniting one of them. Two additional officers were injured while trying to assist.
Police said the suspect fled the scene but was arrested following a brief foot chase. He was identified as a 33-year-old resident of Kiryat Motzkin.
According to Magen David Adom, three officers were taken to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa for treatment. One officer was listed in moderate condition, while two others sustained light injuries.
Police said they plan to request an extension of the suspect’s detention as the investigation continues.