The Sharon Region Police are conducting a manhunt for an Arabic-speaking suspect accused of attempting to kidnap a girl in Hod Hasharon and force her into the trunk of his car, Israeli media reported on Wednesday night.
Witnesses reportedly chased off the suspect, preventing the abduction in the city’s main Sokolov Street. He had reportedly attempted to take several young women.
The suspect is also alleged to have attacked several civilians in the North.
The suspect was described by the mayor as driving a white Tesla, and police have already identified the man as a resident of the North, according to N12.
Mayor speaks out
"As of now - and from the tests conducted since the incident, the police estimate that the incident was psychological after a similar disturbance that the man had among his family this morning, and we are working to reach him quickly," said Mayor Amir Kochavi. "Municipal Security is in continuous contact with the investigating unit and we will return and update as additional information emerges."
"I want to praise the vigilance of the girls and the residents who kept the attacker away and those who contacted the police, and to remind you that contacting the municipal hotline at the same time as contacting the 100 hotline or immediately afterwards will help bring municipal forces to the scene quickly," he added. "The Welfare Department and the Educational Psychological Service are prepared to assist anyone who needs assistance following the incident, and you can contact the municipal hotline."