JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A highly unusual incident that ended due to a mistaken identity occurred a short time ago at the intersection of Jerusalem Boulevard and Ba’al HaNes Street in Ashdod’s Seventh District neighborhood.

A local yeshiva student, a member of the Gur Hasidic community, sustained minor injuries and his glasses were broken as a result of physical force used by law enforcement personnel dressed in civilian clothing.

According to initial reports, a police unit was operating in the area to locate a person wanted for questioning in connection with a child support case. The officers identified the yeshiva student and instructed him to stop. Since he is classified as a military service deserter, the report states that he attempted to flee the scene.

הפרגוד: רובע ז’ אשדוד: אברך חסיד גור נעצר באכזריות בגלל טעות בזיהוי pic.twitter.com/DP7ikjY3fn

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The officers then pursued him briefly, restrained him with handcuffs and leg restraints, and used targeted physical force against him, resulting in his clothing being torn, his glasses being broken, and bruises to his body. Only after he had been restrained did the officers conduct a check through the police system and discover that it was a complete case of mistaken identity and that he was not the individual they were seeking.

According to eyewitnesses who were present at the scene, once the mistake was discovered, the officers immediately removed the restraints from the yeshiva student, entered their vehicle, and left the area without identifying themselves, providing medical assistance, or leaving any contact details.

The police responded: “In response to media inquiries and following the arrest incident involving a charedi individual in Ashdod, we clarify that this was police activity carried out under a judicial order and as part of an ongoing investigation. During the operation, an individual was identified who began fleeing the scene and refused to identify himself. It was later determined that this was a case of mistaken identity, and he was released at the location.”

“The incident has been referred for review by the authorized officials, and upon completion, the necessary lessons will be drawn. The Israel Police regrets the distress and anguish caused and will continue to operate while ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights.”