Queens, NY – The New York city police Dept. have released this afternoon a new video of a possible arsonist who has torched six buildings under construction in the Bukharian Jewish community of the Forest Hills neighborhood in eastern Queens in the past six weeks.
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Police said the the person of interest was observed walking with a backpack eastbound on 69 Road in the vicinity of 112 Street and the Grand Central Parkway on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at approximately 12:10 AM.
The arsonist’s motive is still a mystery.
The Bukharian community leaders met Tuesday morning with Borough President Melinda Katz, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce, and a host of other city lawmakers to discuss heightened security measures for the neighborhood.
The investigation now includes the Arson Explosive Squad and the Major Case Squad, in addition to frequent neighborhood patrols from the 112th Police Precinct.
Deputy Inspector Judith Harrison, commanding officer at the 112th Precinct, said a new command post has been set up at 112th Street and 68th Avenue.
Harrison said police have a list of 29 buildings in the area that are currently under construction in the Cord Meyer neighborhood. She added the 112th Precinct is receiving additional units from other precincts and that buildings under construction would be the focus of the patrols.