An anti-Israel suspect, identified as Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, has been apprehended by federal authorities after allegedly setting fire to nearly 12 NYPD vehicles. This occurred following weeks of searching for him.
The 21-year-old reportedly surrendered after “free Palestinian” demonstrators connected him to an incident on June 12, where police vehicles were damaged in a Brooklyn parking lot, resulting in approximately $800,000 in losses.
It’s anticipated that he will turn himself in and appear before a federal judge later today, according to sources.
The NYPD had intensified their efforts to locate him, offering a $30,000 reward for information about his whereabouts after releasing video footage that showed him about 40 minutes before the incident. He’s seen alone, and investigators believe they can trace his movements back to Manhattan.
Lodgson-McCray has a history of charges linked to protests, including a violent episode at Columbia University where he reportedly vandalized a statue. “He also was involved in an incident at Columbia University in September, where he caused over $1,000 in damages to a campus statue,” an official stated.
His social media activity suggests that he’s quite involved in the protest community, particularly in the free Palestinian movement.
Records indicate that his arrest history goes back to January 2023. He has also faced charges for resisting arrest during anti-ICE demonstrations, as well as other protest-related offenses, including the burning of flags at various embassies and multiple anti-Israel protests.
