Authorities continue search for suspect in Midwood fire believed to be arson

Investigators are still searching for the person they believe set a rabbi's home in Midwood on fire Thursday.

News 12 Staff

Jun 15, 2019, 3:04 PM

Updated 2,005 days ago

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Investigators are still searching for the person they believe set a rabbi's home in Midwood on fire Thursday.
Family members say they believe someone was targeting the rabbi. They told News 12 he's received numerous death threats from a former student for at least a decade.
The NYPD also confirmed that a criminal investigation was underway Friday.
Surveillance video that was shared with News 12 by a neighbor Thursday shows the moments the home burst into flames. The video appears to show someone running from the front of the house just moments after. News 12 is told this is one of several videos investigators are looking at.
Emergency crews were called to East 17th Street between Avenue O and Avenue N around 4 a.m.Thursday. Investigators say they believe the fire spread from 1488 East 17th St. to the two homes on each side. Officials say 12 people were taken to the hospital, among them a 6-week-old baby and three firefighters.
Everyone is expected to be OK, but the homes suffered significant damage.
Family members of the rabbi told News 12 Friday that they believe they know who started the fire.
Investigators have not yet released details on any possible suspects.
No arrests have been made as police continue to search for the person responsible.