Video Released In Search For Suspect In East Harlem Deli Arson
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Police have released new video as they search for a man suspected of an arson attack in East Harlem on Monday.
In the video, a man can be seen pouring flammable liquid outside Saied Deli on E. 125th St.
Seconds later, the suspect ignites the liquid, setting off a small fire, before running from the scene toward Lexington Avenue.
"Sixty-five percent of the store is completely burned. This time of year business is kind of bad, I don't know what we are going to do," Sultan Alahal said.
Alahal told CBS2's Weijia Jiang that the man to blame for the fire is a known trouble maker who tried to rob the store hours before the fire.
Police also released video taken before the crime as the suspect is seen talking to a worker inside the deli.
When he returned around 2 a.m. on Monday morning, his actions spoke much louder.
"He didn't say anything, he didn't scream or anything, he just poured the gas and lit the fire," Alahal said.
The suspect is described as black male, 23-35 years old, around 6-foot-2 and last seen wearing a black hoodie, tan pants, black sneakers and a Brooklyn Nets hat.
Police say employees were able to put out the fire and no one was injured.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or texting tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
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