Video shows wanted arsonist is armed

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The arsonist targeting Jewish-owned homes in and around Forest Hills, Queens appears to be armed.

Surveillance video taken Sunday, Nov.8 shows the man limping and holding his left leg. He turns the corner, bends down to take what appears to be a handgun from his left leg and puts it in his pocket.

The NYPD released the video Thursday.

There is a $62,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.

The latest fire happened at 12:30 a.m. Sunday on 69th Road.

According to the NYPD, it is the same home construction site that was set on fire in the middle of November. This time the house was destroyed.

Five other suspected arson fires happened in November and October within a few blocks of the latest fire - all at construction sites, police said.

A community of Bukharian Jews have been knocking down smaller homes and building so-called McMansions in the area.

The sect of Jews is from Central Asia. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a large number of them have immigrated into the United States and many have settled in the Forest Hills area.

All of the homes were empty when the fires started.

The NYPD is asking that if you have any information, give them a call. You can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.