A homeless man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of threat and possession of a weapon after aiming an unloaded rocket launcher at a store in Tel Aviv.
The suspect, 42, confessed to his acts and said he had done so under the influence of alcohol and drugs, after being attacked by an employee. The police still investigate how the launcher came into his possession.
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According to the police, the suspect, Piotr Shneidrov, had an ongoing dispute with one of the employees at the kiosk over his treatment of a female college who was also present at the time.
During the fight, the worker came outside toward Shneidrov with an object in his hand and threatened him. In response Shneidrov extricated the launcher from a hiding spot, returned to the site of the dispute, and aimed the launcher at the kiosk.
The police arrested all three on suspicion of assault, and released the two workers within a short time. Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court Judge Ala Masarwa extended Shneidrov’s detention until Monday. Shneidrov has been convicted several times in the past for threats and attempts at assault.
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Attorney Yossi Shiloah, who is representing Shneidrov on behalf of the Public Defender’s Office, said, “The suspect is a homeless man who is dealing with financial distress and drug addiction. He is cooperating with the investigators.”
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