Last update - 00:00 21/01/2007
Palestinian prisoner escapes from police escort in Petah Tikva
By Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondent
A Palestinian prisoner brought in for an extension of remand fled Sunday from police custody in Petah Tikva.
The prisoner, 17, from the West Bank city of Qalqilya, had been detained for illegal entry and forged identity. At his hearing Sunday afternoon, Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended his remand until Wednesday.
Following the hearing, he was being escorted back to the police vehicle when he escaped from the escorting officers, jumped over the fence surrounding the courthouse and entered a car that was apparently waiting for him. Police said his legs had been shackled.
Court security personnel fired at the youth but missed. Police said the driver of the vehicle tried to run over the officers and drove away.
Petah Tikva police placed checkpoints in the area but have failed to locate the prisoner. The vehicle was later found abandoned.
Police are continuing the search for the escaped prisoner.