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NYPD car is seen on a street in Manhattan, New York City, United States of America on July 16th, 2024. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN – Jakhi Lodgson-McCray, 21,, is in police custody after allegedly torching 11 marked NYPD vehicles during an anti-Israel protest in Brooklyn.
Alleged arsonist in custody
What we know:
The NYPD had been searching for Lodgson-McCray for over a month; he allegedly set fire to nearly a dozen marked police vehicles during a pro-Palestinian protest in Brooklyn on June 12.
McCray has now been charged in the Eastern District of New York with federal arson with a minimum of five years’ jail time.
McCray allegedly yelled “free Palestine” as he set fire to 11 NYPD vehicles in a parking lot on DeKalb Avenue in Bushwick. He ignited the fires with firestarters, placing them on windshields, hoods and tires, resulting in over $800,000 in damage.
No arrests were made at the scene.
“There is zero tolerance for anyone who attacks the NYPD.”
— NYPD News
He has a history of protest-related incidents, including vandalizing a statue with red paint at Columbia University in September 2024 and throwing eggs at an NYPD officer during a May 2024 protest in Queens. He also has two prior arrests for resisting arrest.
The Source: This article includes information provided by the NYPD.
Crime and Public SafetyBrooklyn