LAKEWOOD, NJ – An incident during last week’s snowstorm in Lakewood Township has gone viral and isbeing described by members of the Orthodox Jewish community as a hate crime, but the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, one week later says no charges have been filed.
A video of two men driving a truck with a snowplow was seen passing two Orthodox Jewish men walking to prayer service on the Saturday Sabbath when the driver lowered the blade of the plow at a high speed to cover the two men in ice and snow. For religious reasons, Orthodox Jews may not operate vehicles during the sabbath, but must meet in prayer groups, even during a blizzard.
“We are investigating with Lakewood Police Department,” said Brian Huntenburg of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. “No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.”
The incident drew condemnation from public officials in Lakewood Township and in the greater Jewish community. One of the occupants of the vehicle was identified as an employee of Waste Management, Inc. The company said the employee was not working at the time for the company but has since been terminated due to the incident.
“While the incident did not involve a company vehicle or company equipment, the employee associated with this social media post is no longer employed with Waste Management,” the company said in a statement. “The conduct of this former employee is unacceptable and not in accordance with WM’s code of conduct, commitments and values.”
“Not only was it cruel but it was also incredibly stupid and dangerous,” Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles said. “The plow could easily have thrown chunks of ice or rock and seriously injured or killed either of the victims. I am glad to know our police department is investigating all aspects of this incident.”
The video was posted to Twitter with the heading, “This one’s for you, JC…”.
It has been claimed that JC is in reference to Jesus Christ. Coles confirmed the incident was still being investigated. You can see the video below.