Arson in Lower East Side under investigation as possible hate crime: NYPD

LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) — Police are searching for a man they say intentionally started a fire and damaged a Hatzalah emergency vehicle on July 6.

The incident happened in front of 557 Grand Street at around 11 p.m., according to the NYPD.

Surveillance footage shows the man kneeling towards the back of the vehicle. Shortly after, a small fire can be seen breaking out.

Police say the individual was last seen wearing a blue shirt, gray-colored shorts, and white sneakers.

This case is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

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