Last update - 00:00 23/02/2007
Robbers open fire on Galilee farmer during robbery attempt
By Eli Ashkenazi, Haaretz Correspondent
Unknown gunman early Friday opened fire on a farmer at a Moshav Lower Galilee. The farmer, Aryeh Schwartz, was not injured in the incident.
Schwartz said that two days before the shooting, robbers broke into his estate and attempted to steal a tractor, fleeing when they noticed him approaching.
"Tonight, they returned to the estate," Schwartz said. "When the alarm sounded, I went outside, and when I stood under a beam of light, they apparently noticed me and fired. Since the incident of the farmer Shai Dromi, who shot dead a robber in the south, I don't carry a weapons because I am afraid that afterward I will be blamed."
Schwartz said that robbers have broken into his estate in the past and have succeeded in stealing cattle and calves. "The state is obligated to protect agriculturalists. Our situation has become intolerable," he said.
Tiberias Police forces and Border Police arrived at Schwartz's estate and opened an investigation following the incident.
Negev farmer Shai Dromi, 47, who shot and killed an alleged sheep thief last month, has been charged with manslaughter, illegal possession of weapons, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
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