The NYPD is asking the public for help identifying a suspect connected to a series of hate crimes targeting Christian places of worship in Queens. According to a social media post by NYPD Crimestoppers, the suspect is linked to multiple incidents of criminal mischief that occurred on October 5, in the 101st Precinct. The cases are being investigated by the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force.
The first incident occurred at The Refuge Church of Christ, 18-37 Mott Avenue, around 1:40 a.m., when the suspect sprayed anti-Christian statements on the building. Minutes later, at approximately 1:44 a.m., The City of Oasis Church of Deliverance at 18-74 Mott Avenue was similarly vandalized. Around 2:00 a.m., St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church at 19-20 New Haven Avenue was also defaced, including damage to two religious statues.
The NYPD has released images of the suspect and is asking anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
