NYPD Search for Suspect Linked to Brooklyn Police Vehicle Fires

Suspect Identified in Brooklyn Arson Attack

• 🎯 Police have identified Jakai Lodgeen McCrae, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, as the suspect in an arson attack on several NYPD vehicles in Bushwick.
• arson attack occurred last Thursday morning in a lot used by Patrol Burough Brooklyn North.
• 💡 The suspect allegedly hopped a fence and used commercially available fire starters to torch the vehicles.

Suspect's Prior Arrests and Alleged Incidents

• 🚨 McCrae is known to authorities and has been arrested previously at pro-Palestinian protests in the city.
• vandalized a statue at Columbia University in September while disguised as a student, causing over $1,000 in damage.

Potential Connection to Another Incident

• ⚠️ Investigators are examining whether McCrae is connected to another incident this morning near Kellogg's Diner in Williamsburg, where a parked police van was targeted with a similar fire starter.
• ❓ The exact motive behind these attacks remains unclear to the police.

Investigation and Apprehension Efforts

• 🔍 Surveillance video places McCrae at the scene in Bushwick multiple times, showing him changing his clothing during his escape.
• 🕵️ Detectives tracked McCrae on video to Manhattan before losing sight of him.
• 🤝 The NYPD is collaborating with the US Marshall Service to apprehend the suspect.

Damage and Community Impact

• 💥 No one was injured in the fires, but the estimated damage to the police vehicles is approximately $800,000.
• 🏘️ The attacks are described as an assault on the NYPD and the safety of the Bushwick community.