A reward of $30,000 is available for information leading to the whereabouts of a suspect tied to an anti-Israel protest who allegedly set fire to nearly a dozen NYPD vehicles, resulting in approximately $800,000 in damages earlier this month.
Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, a 21-year-old with a history of protest-related arrests, is believed to have ignited fires in 11 police vehicles located in a Bushwick parking lot on June 12.
The NYPD announced on Wednesday that several law enforcement agencies, including NYPD Crime Stoppers and the ATF, are offering this reward for information that could aid in bringing the suspect to justice.
According to police, Lodgson-McCray also caused over $1,000 in damage to a statue during a protest at Columbia University in September.
Detective Joseph Kenney noted that the suspect appears very active in a protest community connected to a free Palestinian movement, pointing out a previous incident of arson near Brooklyn’s North Headquarters.
It’s believed that he acted on his own during this specific attack. Kenney mentioned, “We’ve captured footage of him around 40 minutes before the incident. He was alone and, following the event, I can trace his movement back to Manhattan.”
“During his escape, he changes his clothes multiple times,” Kenney added. “While we can’t see his face, he was wearing a hoodie and a mask. We suspect he specifically targeted this police facility.”
Lodgson-McCray was arrested last month for resisting arrest during an anti-ICE protest and has a record of previous arrests related to anti-Israel demonstrations.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to reach out via @nypdtips or call 1-800-577-tips.
