New Video Surfaces of Arson Suspect Targeting Queens Bukharian Jews

Armed suspect in Queens Arsons. Image by NYPD

By John A. Oswald December 11, 2015

New York City cops have released a new video of a suspect in the string of arson fires targeting Bukharian Jews in Queens — and he’s carrying a gun.

The grainy video does not give a clear image of the perp — his face is hidden by his hoodie — but he does appear to have a distinct gait.

In the video, the gloved perp stoops over at one point and pulls a concealdcd handgun from his ankle — a weapon that he then puts into his pocket.

Local CBS2 News reports that the video was turned over by a homeowner in the stricken Forest Hills neighborhood.

“They looked at it. They said it’s a very good clue,” said the man, Eli Solomon. “I hope it’s going to help the cops to catch the guy.”

Here is the list of seven arsons that have hit homes, which were under construction, in the Bukharian enclave:

Incident #1 – At approximately 1930 hours on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 68-60 112 Street.
Incident #2 – At approximately 2210 hours on Sunday, – November 15, 2015 at 112-35 69 Road.
Incident #3 – At approximately 1830 hours on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 108-43 66 Avenue.
Incident #4 – At approximately 2312 hours on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 108-43 67 Drive.
Incident #5 – At approximately 0018 hours on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 112-35 69 Road.
Incident #6 – At approximately 2227 hours on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 70-35 113 Street.
Incident #7 – At approximately 2000 hours on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 108-13 67 Road.

A $12,500 reward is being offered for info leading to an arrest. Members of the public are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477), or log in to NYPDCrimeStoppers.com if they can help.

John Oswald is The Forward’s deputy digital media editor.

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