NYPD Releases New Video Of Forest Hills Serial Arsonist Suspect Targeting Bukharian Jewish Homes

[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Newly released video of a suspect in a spree of arsons at homes in a New York City neighborhood populated by Bukharian Jews shows the man walking laboriously down the street, then pulling what appears to be a gun out of the ankle of his pants.

The video was taken near the first known incident in Forest Hills, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at 68-60 112th St.

The suspect was captured on video, according to the New York City Police Department, at about 7:20 at 112th Street and 68th Drive. In the video, the suspect has his face covered and he is wearing gloves. It also appears that the suspect moves a gun from his left ankle to his front right pocket.

There have been seven arson cases so far, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce. He said there is a pattern to these fires that started on Oct. 20, with the last occurring on Dec. 6.

According to Boyce, the suspect is using “combustible materials found at the scene.” Boyce said the investigation continues, and there are increased patrols in the area.

Most of the homes that were set on fire were under construction.

The community has raised $50,000 in award money for information leading to an arrest, and city officials have offered an additional $12,000.

Incident #1 – At approximately 7:30PM on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 68-60 112 Street.
Incident #2 – At approximately 10:10PM on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 112-35 69 Road.
Incident #3 – At approximately 6:30PM on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 108-43 66 Avenue.
Incident #4 – At approximately 11:12PM on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 108-43 67 Drive.
Incident #5 – At approximately 12:18AM on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 112-35 69 Road.
Incident #6 – At approximately 10:27PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 70-35 113 Street.
Incident #7 – At approximately 8:00PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 108-13 67 Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

The video below was taken on 69th Road near 112th Street and the Grand Central Parkway shortly after midnight Sunday. A few minutes after the clip was shot, a fire was set at a vacant building nearby.