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Video: Alleged Arsonist Watched Trash Fire Burn In East Harlem, Police Say

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is searching for a man who allegedly set several trash fires in East Harlem earlier this month.

In the first incident on May 5, the suspect lit trash on fire at 1516 Lexington Avenue at around 3:50 a.m., police said. The fire spread, causing a nearby Mitsubishi to catch on fire before it was extinguished.

On May 9, the same suspect lit another trash fire in front of 4940 Madison Avenue at around 11:35 p.m.. A nearby Ford caught on fire before the blaze was extinguished, police said.

Police have released surveillance video, which can be viewed above, of the alleged suspect at one of the scenes, watching the fire he set burn.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

 

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