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Police seek initial suspect for seven fires at Forest Hills construction sites

Police are looking for this suspect in connection to seven construction site fires in Forest Hills.
Photo courtesy of NYPD

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying a serial arsonist wanted in connection to a slew of construction site fires in Forest Hills.

After releasing a photo of a potential motorcycle-riding suspect this past weekend, police said they are turning their investigation back to an initial suspect, who appeared in a surveillance video on Nov. 25.

The latest blaze occurred on Sunday around 12:18 a.m. at 112-35 69th Rd. No injuries were reported.

The fires — which happened within blocks of each other— date back to October and include the following times, dates and locations:

  • At about 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at 68-60 112th St.
  • At about 10:10 p.m. on Nov. 15 at 112-35 69th Rd.
  • At about 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at 108-43 66th Ave.
  • At about 11:12 p.m. on Nov. 25 at 108-43 67th Dr.
  • At about 10:27 p.m. on Oct. 20 at 70-35 113th St.
  • At about 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at 108-13 67th Rd.

According to published reports, although the NYPD hasn’t classified these incidents as hate crimes, people from the local Bukharan Jewish community — who own many of the construction sites — believe they are being targeted in these fires.

The community is reportedly offering $50,000 to find the suspect, along with a $2,500 being offered by the NYPD.

Anyone with information regarding the arson pattern or the whereabouts of the person of interest is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit their website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.