Teenagers Arrested for Arson at Historic Lighthouse
Authorities have announced that three teenagers were apprehended for setting fire to the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, which recently underwent a million-dollar renovation. This incident has been described as “heartbreaking.”
The suspects include 18-year-old Elvin Ayabaka from White Plains, 19-year-old Richard Valero from Harrison, and a 17-year-old whose identity hasn’t been disclosed. They’ve reportedly caused damages estimated at over $100,000 to the charming 142-year-old landmark. Westchester County police issued a statement regarding this on Friday.
According to the police, the group faces charges of arson, robbery, and criminal mischief after they were captured on camera walking on a bridge leading to the lighthouse on Saturday. There is a fourth suspect who remains at large.
The young individuals are accused of jumping a fence and forcing entry into the lighthouse around 3:30 a.m. They allegedly broke windows and climbed the tall red and white structure.
Once inside, they purportedly set parts of the lower level, which functioned as a museum, ablaze. This also resulted in damage to antique furniture and the destruction of at least 35 valuable books.
The vandalism follows a recent $3.4 million renovation of the lighthouse’s interior, which included the restoration of its historic spotlight. The incident has sparked local outrage, as noted by Westchester County Police Public Relations Officer Kieran O’Leary on Wednesday.
The teenagers were arrested in a courtroom located in Sleepy Hollow Village, facing felony charges.
The Kingsland Point Park Lighthouse, constructed in 1883, was once home to a family along the banks of the Hudson River and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In light of the damage, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s a shame, and it’s heartbreaking to see this type of damage completely unnecessary.” O’Leary emphasized that the lighthouse is an important landmark and highlighted how upset the Westchester community is about this event.
