NYPD hate crimes task force seeks suspect in anti-Semitic graffiti in Woodhaven – QNS

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is searching for a vandal who sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti in Woodhaven shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 14.

Police from the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill reported that the unidentified man was located near 91st Street and Jamaica Avenue, where he used an aerosol can of black spray paint to create swastikas at various locations along Jamaica Avenue before running off in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported.

“It has been brought to my office's attention that hate symbols have appeared in Woodhaven,” said Council Member Joann Ariola. “This is absolutely unacceptable – hate has no home in the 32nd Precinct. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force and the 102nd Precinct are conducting an investigation to find the person responsible and the graffiti has been removed.”

The NYPD released surveillance video showing the suspect walking down Jamaica Avenue with the spray can in his right hand. Police described him as having dark skin, a slim build, and a beard. He was wearing a striped polo shirt, gray sweatpants, and a black backpack.

“We must be united and send a clear message to those who seek to intimidate members of our community: No one should be afraid to live here because of their race or religion,” Ariola said. “This kind of hatred will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information regarding this aggravated harassment investigation is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by visiting the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.orgor on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages will be kept confidential.

As of August 25, the 102nd Precinct has reported four hate crimes so far in 2024, the same number of incidents as at the same time last year, according to the latest CompStat report.