Driver who hit Tel Aviv protesters had high blood alcohol level

52-year-old football coach Haim Sirotkin, who was detained by police after driving over five demonstrators in Tel Aviv, was found to be intoxicated at the time of the collision, as reported by Mako.

According to Mako, Sirotkin was initially suspected of actions endangering people's lives on the roadway. However, during a court hearing to extend his detention, it was revealed that the charge would be upgraded. Judge Avital Amsalem stated that the suspect's blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit.

Following the court's decision, Sirotkin was placed under house arrest until Thursday, April 11.

Sirotkin maintains that the collision was unintentional, claiming that his foot was stuck on the gas pedal of his electric car, and he tried his best to avoid hitting protesters. Nevertheless, the investigation suggests that experts found no faults in the car.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 6 at the intersection of Shaul Hamelech and Menachem Begin streets during an anti-government demonstration.

Sirotkin struck five demonstrators before continuing to drive. One victim, a woman approximately 50 years old, sustained moderate injuries, while four others suffered minor injuries.