'A prank': Israel Police detain suspect for shooting rubber bullets at Ashkelon kindergarten

A six-year-old child reported being struck in the forehead, while two other children said bullets were fired at them, but did not hit.

Israel Police have detained an 18-year-old for questioning over a complaint filed on Tuesday morning about a person who fired rubber bullets at a kindergarten in Ashkelon from a suspicious vehicle.

“A preliminary investigation indicates this was a prank," Israel Police said.

A six-year-old child was struck in the forehead, while two other children said bullets were fired at them, but did not hit.

A kindergarten teacher contacted police to report a black Mazda that stopped near the kindergarten and filmed the children. According to the complaint, after the assistant teacher shouted at the driver, the driver left but returned shortly thereafter. The assistant teacher went back outside and saw the car driving away.

Officers from the Ashkelon police station arrived at the scene within minutes to search for the suspect; however, there are no active cameras at the community center adjacent to the kindergarten, and the kindergarten itself does not have security cameras installed.

Security unit immediately dispatched to scene

“We view this incident with great seriousness," the Ashkelon Municipality said in a statement, explaining that a security unit was dispatched to the area immediately upon receiving the report, and security in the area was bolstered.

"The educational staff spoke with the children, and routine activities at the kindergarten continued. Parents were immediately updated," the statement continued.

"We add that if a parent notices any distress in their child following the incident, they are welcome to contact the kindergarten’s educational staff for continued care by the relevant professional bodies and the educational psychological service .”