Police say they have identified the alleged arsonist accused of torching 11 NYPD vehicles ablaze in Brooklyn last week is a pro-Palestine protester known to the department.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the man accused of committing the June 12 arson at a lot along DeKalb Avenue and Central Avenue has been identified as 21-year-old Jakhi Lodgson-McCray. Kenny says the department knows the suspect for his roles in pro-Palestine protests around the city, including some at Columbia University — allegedly causing damage in the process.
“He’s also wanted for a criminal mischief incident in Columbia University back in September, where he disguised himself as a student and caused over $1,000 of damage to a statue on the campus,” Chief Kenny said.
Lodgson-McCray was previously arrested in 2024 and 2025 in Manhattan and charged for resisting arrest during several protests.
In the fire arson incident, Chief Kenny reports that Lodgson-McCray allegedly caused over half a million dollars in damages; it will cost the city $800,000 to replace the burned vehicles.
Cops accuse him of climbing the fence surrounding the lot before placing fire starters on the windshields, hoods, and tires of multiple NYPD vehicles.
“It’s not just an attack on the NYPD. It was an attack on the neighborhood of Bushwick itself, because if you look at this lot, there are several residences right next to it that sustained damage due to this fire,” Kenny said. “So, this was a reckless act. It was an attack on the NYPD, but it was also an attack on the safety of the community.”
Police say they captured video of Lodgson-McCray that depicted him changing his clothing several times while making his way to Manhattan. Cops believe he acted alone.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
