A Tel Aviv court extended the remand of Sharon Knovelich, a 28-year-old Kiryat Ata resident suspected of attempting to set fire to a Japnika branch in Haifa, until Monday, according to Israeli media reports.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Sunday extended the remand of Sharon Knovelich, a 28-year-old Kiryat Ata resident, until Monday, as The Zioneer reported at 11:56. Knovelich is suspected of attempting to set fire to a Japnika branch in Haifa last week. The extension follows his arrest earlier today, first reported by The Zioneer at 11:36.
The Zioneer first reported the arrest at 11:36 on Sunday, citing Israeli media. Shortly after, the court's remand extension was reported. The investigation into the Haifa arson attempt began on Wednesday, July 15, when police examined a suspected arson that damaged the door of the Japnika branch, as The Zioneer reported at 12:01. The same day, police had been probing whether the incident had a criminal background. The Haifa incident is part of a series of attacks on the Japnika chain, including a grenade attack on a Kiryat Ono branch in mid-July, for which an 18-year-old suspect was arrested on July 17 and his remand extended by 12 days the same day.
Japnika, an Asian fusion restaurant chain, has become a target in domestic criminal disputes, as The Zioneer has reported. The chain's branches have faced multiple violent incidents, including the grenade attack in Kiryat Ono and now the arson attempt in Haifa.
The investigation into the Haifa arson attempt remains ongoing. The motive for the attack has not been publicly disclosed. The suspect's next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
3 developments
- StrongTel Aviv court extends detention of Japnika grenade suspect by 12 days
- StrongPolice probe suspected arson attempt at Japnika branch in Haifa; door damaged
- DevelopingThird Suspect in Kiryat Ata Hit Plot Remanded; Judge Flags Possible Innocence
- StrongTraffic report links suspect to vehicle, scene in Haifa Japnika arson probe
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