Search

Suspect arrested in Washington hit and run that killed Israeli officer

The officer named Yonatan Nahon was flown back to Israel for burial.

By JNS

Police in Redmond, Wash., have arrested a 15-year-old who allegedly killed a 40-year-old Israeli Air Force officer while driving a stolen vehicle recklessly at high speed.

The victim was identified by Israeli media as either Yonatan or Yehonatan Nahon, an IAF major and according to one report an IAF envoy in the United States.

Nahon’s body was flown back to Israel for the funeral, per Israeli media. The Netanya-born engineer—whom some reports identify as a 41-year-old—was also reportedly in the Seattle area on military business.

The unnamed suspect faces charges of vehicular homicide and was booked at the King County Detention Center, police announced.

“The driver and passengers exited the disabled vehicle and fled on foot after the crash” on the 17600 block of N.E. 24th Street in Redmond, according to police. Redmond is about 15 miles northeast of Seattle.

The arrest occurred on Dec. 20. The victim was a husband and father of three, police added, without identifying the man.

“Redmond officers and detectives have worked diligently to identify and apprehend the suspects in this horrific and senseless incident,” stated Darrell Lowe, chief of the Redmond Police.

“Hopefully, the rest of the criminal justice system can ensure justice for the victim and help provide closure for the family,” Lowe added.