Suspect Accused of Burning NYPD Cars Arrested Again After Release

By Y.M. Lowy

The man accused of setting fire to 11 NYPD vehicles was released from federal court, as reported by Williamsburg 365 on Monday, but was arrested again just minutes later on a different charge.

Jakhi Lodgson McCray, who is 21 years old, was taken into custody after a negotiated surrender. He came with his mother and his lawyer. Police say he is the one who climbed over a fence and set police cars on fire in a parking lot on DeKalb Avenue between Wilson and Central Avenues on June 12. The fire destroyed several cars and caused more than $800,000 in damage.

In court, the judge said McCray could go home under house arrest. He was about to get an ankle monitor so officers could track him, but before that happened, NYPD officers showed up and arrested him again. This time it was for a misdemeanor linked to a protest at Columbia University last year.

Police have said McCray is a known protester who has caused damage before and pretended to be a student to join protests.

He is now in NYPD custody again as both cases move ahead.