The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is searching for a suspect who was captured on security cameras attempting to torch a Lower East Side Hatzalah vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 11 PM this past Saturday night, when the unidentified suspect intentionally lit a fire beneath a Hatzalah emergency response vehicle parked outside 557 Grand Street, causing damage to the vehicle.

NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor of Community Affairs tells YWN that this incident is being taken very seriously is being investigated by detectives of the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Squad and Hate Crime Task Force. Taylor is in personal contact with Police Commissioner Edward Caban, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart and NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny regarding this incident and all appropriate NYPD resources are being utilized to arrest the individual responsible.

The suspect is a male with a light complexion and slight build. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, gray shorts and white sneakers. The NYPD is requesting the public’s help in identifying him. Anyone with leads is urged to contact the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force or call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

CEO of Chevra Hatzalah, Rabbi Yehiel Kalish gave the following statement to YWN:

Hatzalah has been a part of the fabric of New York City’s EMS services for almost sixty years. We save lives every day, and our vehicles are well-marked and purposely stationed in public locations to provide a sense of security to the community. New Yorkers know we are there for them. We are grateful to the leadership of the NYPD, the Community Affairs Unit, and all those who have reached out to help. This was a hate crime and once the perpetrator is caught, we will prosecute him to the full extent of the law.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)