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FBI, ADL offering reward for arsonist targeting local Jewish centers

BOSTON — The FBI Boston Division is now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest in a series of arsons at Jewish centers in Arlington and Needham.

On May 11, 2019, at approximately 11:00 p.m., authorities were called to a fire at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Arlington-Belmont in Arlington, Massachusetts.

Five days later at approximately 8:50 p.m., authorities were called to another fire at the same Chabad Center.

Later that evening, just before 10:00 p.m., authorities responded to a fire at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Needham, Massachusetts.

ADL New England is offering a $15,000 reward in addition to the FBI's reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Rewards previously offered totaled $21,000, but no developments have been publicly discussed by investigators.

>> Previous: Rewards offered for information on arsonist targeting local Jewish centers

At the time of the incidents, surveillance footage captured a man slowly walking to and from the locations where the fires were set.

In the Arlington video, three different cameras caught the man walking down Lake Street at the time of the fire.

In the Needham video, the FBI says the same man walks in front of the Chabad Center toward the area where the first fire was set. Less than two minutes later, he turns, looks back in the direction of the fire, and walks toward the street and down the sidewalk.

Anyone with information should call the FBI Boston Division at (857)-386-2000.

>> Previous: Arlington PD trying to identify person seen near fire at Chabad Center, rabbi's house