The individual suspected of committing arson by setting fire to nearly a dozen NYPD police cars in Brooklyn has been identified as an individual known for participating in anti-Israel protests and having a history of protest-related arrests, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities released the photo of Jakhi Lodgson-McCray on social media as they intensify their search for the 21-year-old protester associated with the “Free Palestine” movement, who allegedly set ablaze 11 police vehicles, resulting in damages estimated at over $800,000. Lodgson-McCray is also alleged to have caused damage to a statue during a turbulent protest at Columbia University.

“There is zero tolerance for anyone who attacks the NYPD,” the department said on X.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated, “We believe that he acted alone,” in reference to the incident that took place on June 12 near the Patrol Borough Brooklyn North headquarters.

“We have him on video for about 40 minutes prior to the incident. He is by himself, and, like I said, a substantial video canvass after the fact, where we track him all the way back to Manhattan.

“Several times during his escape, he changes his clothing,” Kenny said. “He’s wearing a hoodie cinched up so you can’t see his face, and wearing a mask. But we do believe that he acted alone, and obviously he targeted this location because it is a police facility.”

Police tracked down surveillance footage and identified Lodgson-McCray four days later, the chief said.

But the cop car caper isn’t the only reason police want to nab him.

“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,” Kenny said. “We believe, based on his social media, that he’s very active in the protest community, involving the Free Palestine movement.”

Records show that Lodgson-McCray has a string of arrests dating to January 2023, including for resisting arrest at an anti-ICE protest last month, and a series of protests related busts that include burning a flag at a city embassy and at several anti-Israeli demonstrations.

He currently has two open cases, the resisting arrest from May 28 in Manhattan, in which he was released without bail, and a May 15 assault and resisting charge in Queens, records show.

Police are asking anyone with information to reach out to @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577 TIPS.

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