NYPD Identifies Suspect in Arson of Police Vehicles

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has named Jaki Rodjong McCray from New Jersey as the individual responsible for setting fire to 11 police vehicles in Brooklyn earlier this month. Officials indicated that McCray has a criminal background and was previously arrested at several pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

According to the NYPD, the 21-year-old suspect scaled a gate around 1 a.m. on June 12, in a parking lot just a block from a police station in the Bushwick neighborhood. He placed fire starters on hoods, windshields, and tires of police cars, leading to damages exceeding $800,000. NYPD detective chief Joseph Kenny noted, “I believe he acted alone and obviously targeted this location as he is a police facility.” Surveillance footage reportedly captured McCray fleeing the scene on foot, although he remains at large. Kenny mentioned that the suspect changed disguises multiple times during his escape.

The NYPD shared a photo of McCray on social media, emphasizing their zero tolerance for attacks against the police.

In addition, law enforcement is looking into whether McCray is linked to another similar incident in Brooklyn where an attempt was made to set a police van on fire.

Democrat Mayor Eric Adams has hinted that the attack might be connected to recent riots against immigration enforcement. McCray has an extensive arrest record dating back to 2023, including previous vandalism at Columbia University, where he allegedly caused over $1,000 in damages. There are also two unresolved criminal cases involving acts of resistance and arrests related to traffic disruptions from late May and another incident from May 2024.