Criminal9/8/2026

Four Years in Prison for Shooting That Seriously Wounded a Police Officer

The Jerusalem District Court sentenced Haim Tager, a resident of Pisgat Ze'ev, to four years in prison for shooting at police officers and rescue personnel. The bullet ricocheted and struck 22-year-old police officer Hodia Heilperin in the head, causing her a severe brain injury.

Key facts

•Defendant: Haim Tager, a resident of Pisgat Ze'ev
•Court: Jerusalem District Court
•Sentence: Four years of actual imprisonment
•Compensation to the victim: 75,000 shekels
•Offense: Causing grievous bodily harm under aggravated circumstances
•The case number and exact date of sentencing were not stated in the source

What Happened

Police officers, firefighters and rescue personnel were called to Tager's home following a report that he was in an unstable mental state and concern for his life. When the responding forces tried to enter the apartment, Tager, who knew who was behind the door, drew a handgun that he lawfully possessed, readied it for firing and positioned himself facing the entrance. About three seconds after the door opened slightly, he fired one shot.

Consequences of the Shooting

The bullet struck the doorframe, changed course and hit police officer Hodia Heilperin in the head. She suffered a penetrating injury, a comminuted skull fracture and a severe brain injury. According to the source, the physical, cognitive and psychological consequences of the injury continue to affect her daily life and independence.

Guilty Plea and the Parties' Positions

As part of a plea agreement, Tager admitted to causing grievous bodily harm under aggravated circumstances. The agreement did not determine the sentence. The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office requested a sentencing range of six to ten years in prison, a sentence of seven years in prison, and an order requiring the defendant to pay the victim at least 150,000 shekels.

The Court's Decision

The court determined that, when he committed the act, Tager was responsible for his actions and was capable of understanding his actions and their unlawfulness. The court described shooting at police officers and rescue personnel as a particularly grave act that changed the victim's life. Tager was sentenced to four years of actual imprisonment, a suspended prison sentence, and payment of 75,000 shekels in compensation to Heilperin.

What this means for you

The case illustrates that lawful possession of a firearm does not diminish criminal responsibility for using it against police officers or rescue personnel. Mental state is assessed separately: in this case, the court expressly determined that the defendant was responsible for his actions and capable of understanding their unlawfulness. Compensation may be awarded to the victim alongside actual imprisonment and a suspended prison sentence.

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Case analysis based on court rulings