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LAKEWOOD, NJ – Three Lakewood residents were charged this week, with one being arrested after police responded to backyard open-fires and religious gatherings. The practice is called Lag BaOmer, a well known Jewish custom that involves the lighting of bonfires.
- Yisrael Knopfler, 44, of Lakewood, N.J., was charged with violating the emergency orders and other disorderly persons offenses on May 11 in connection with an incident that began when police found him hosting a gathering of more than 10 people in his back yard, where a tent was set up. Upon the officers’ arrival, a group of approximately 20 men approached and began yelling at them. Host Knopfler allegedly became verbally aggressive and uncooperative with the police and, at one point, made physical contact with an officer.
- Chaim Oestreicher, 52 and Sarah Oestreicher, 49, of Lakewood, were cited on May 11 after police arrived at their home to find approximately 15-to-20 people gathered in the back yard next to an uncontained fire.