Arson and Vandalism at Historic Tarrytown Lighthouse Under Investigation

Lighthouse Damaged by Arson

• 💔 A beloved historic attraction in Westchester County, the Tarrytown Lighthouse, was seriously damaged by an arsonist over the weekend.
• 💸 The lighthouse had recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, with initial damage estimates at $100,000, a figure that could rise.

Suspects Identified

• 📸 Police have released images of four young men they are calling persons of interest in connection with the vandalism spree.
• 🔍 Detectives are reviewing surveillance video and analyzing fingerprint dust from handprints found at the scene.

Extent of Destruction

• 💨 The bulk of the destruction is concentrated on the first level, which still smells of smoke, with a charred floor and broken windows and furniture.
• 🏠 More damage was discovered on the second floor by a caretaker on Saturday morning.

Community Impact and History

• 🏛️ The Tarrytown Lighthouse, opened in 1883 and operational until 1965, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 💰 After falling into disrepair, the county invested over $4 million to renovate the 60-foot structure.
• 😔 Public tours had just resumed, and community members expressed shock and anger over the despicable act of vandalism.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🗣️ Westchester County police are leading the investigation and are asking the public for help in identifying the individuals seen in the released photos.
• 💰 A local towing company has offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.