Police arrest suspected axe-wielder who hacked Old City woman

The woman was attacked with an axe by a man who broke into her home, according to Rescue Judea and Samaria Without Borders.

 Israel Police search for axe-wielding attacker in Jerusalem's Old City February 19, 2025. (photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel Police search for axe-wielding attacker in Jerusalem's Old City February 19, 2025.
(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

A woman in her 50s was attacked in her home in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, Magen David Adom announced on Wednesday evening.

The woman was attacked with an axe by a man who broke into her home, according to Rescue Judea and Samaria Without Borders.

The woman was found in serious condition, with penetrating injuries to her upper body and limbs, according to the MDA statement.

MDA responders, along with additional EMT’s from United Hatzalah, provided her with initial medical aid to stop the bleeding, and she was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Hospital conscious and in moderate condition, according to the MDA statement.

 A woman in her 50s was attacked in her home in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, February 19, 2025. (credit: UNITED HATZALAH‏)Enlrage image
A woman in her 50s was attacked in her home in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, February 19, 2025. (credit: UNITED HATZALAH‏)

The motive of the attack is currently unclear

Israel Police stated that officers arrived on the scene shortly after the suspect fled.  Police announced on Thursday that officers from the David Subdistrict of the Jerusalem District managed to track down the suspect, who had fled to northern Israel.

Officers from the Tiberias police station arrested him, and he will be transferred for interrogation in the David Subdistrict.

This is a developing story.