ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 17TH, NYPD COMMISSIONER DERMOT SHEA MET WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH ADMINISTRATORS TO ANNOUNCE THE ARREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBLE FOR POURING GASOLINE AROUND THE YESHIVAH AND SETTING IT ON FIRE THREE DAYS EARLIER.
Many important members of the police department, as well as politicians were in attendance, including Brooklyn South Commanding Officer Assistant Chief Michael Kemper, Commanding Officer of the 70th Precinct Inspector David Wall, Commanding Officer of Citywide Community Affairs Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor, NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Councilman Kalman Yeger, Mayor’s Office Assistant Commissioner Pinny Ringel, Head of Flatbush Yeshivah Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Flatbush Yeshivah Assistant Principal Rabbi David Galpert, Hatzalah CEO Yechiel Kalish, Flatbush Shomrim Coordinators Bob Moskovitz and Steve Weill, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Chair Josh Mehlman, Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky and community leaders Mitch Vilinsky, Joe Dweck, Judah Cohen, and David Assis.
The perpetrator, 39 year old Sharee Jones of Brooklyn was charged with reckless endangerment as a hate crime and arson for pouring gasoline around the yeshivah gate and lighting it on fire. There were no injuries Baruch Hashem, minor property damage was sustained to the sidewalk.
Deputy Inspector Taylor introduced everyone to Commissioner Shea, who received a very warm welcome. Commissioner Shea unequivocally pledged that any criminal act of hate in NYC will be thoroughly investigated and every appropriate resource will be utilized to bring those responsible into custody.
After leaving Yeshivah of Flatbush, Commissioner Shea and others walked along Avenue J, stopping to say hello to kids and pedestrians, demonstrating that the NYPD understands the community’s concern by bringing a sense of security and professional police presence to the area. Commissioner Shea stopped for lunch at Pizza Time (after being assured it was kosher), showing additional solidarity and sensitivity to the community.
He greeted dozens of pleasantly surprised families. One customer remarked “seeing the police commissioner here in our neighborhood just two blocks away from where that fire was intentionally started means so much, he really understands how we feel.” Another customer stated “We are truly blessed to have him as our commissioner. What a Mensch!”
