An Arab tried to jump a police roadblock in Samaria Thursday afternoon, continuing to speed ahead after police ordered him to stop – and was shot after he tried to run a police officer down.

The incident occurred on Road 55, outside Karnei Shomron. In recent weeks, the road has become a focus for protests by residents of the area against Arab rock throwing attacks. Numerous incidents of rock throwing have been reported near the adjacent town of Maale Shomron, which is next to the Arab village of Azzoun, long considered a trouble spot in western Samaria.

After the Arab passed the police roadblock on the highway without stopping, he came upon another roadblock – this one with spikes set up on the road by police. As he approached the spikes, the Arab driver began backing away. Police fired at the tires of the vehicle, but the driver kept going – and was driving right for a policeman on the road. Police then fired at the driver. Road 55 east of Karne Shomron was closed for several hours Thursday afternoon in wake of the incident.

The driver was lightly injured in the incident and was taken for treatment at Meir Hospital in Kfar Sava. A passenger in the vehicle was arrested and taken in for questioning. The two are residents of Kalkilye, police said.

Police are investigating why the pair attempted to escape, and are checking the vehicle for bombs and weapons.