The Fifth Squad reports the arrest of a Lakeview man for an incident that occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11:30 PM in West Hempstead.

According to Detectives, officers responded to a report of Criminal Mischief to a NCPD Auxiliary vehicle at Hall’s Pond Park, 831 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead. A witness observed a male breaking the side mirror of the Auxiliary vehicle and called 911. While officers were searching for the suspect, they were stopped by a male who informed them that he saw a person lighting a fire nearby. Police responded to Young Israel of West Hempstead, 630 Hempstead Avenue, where they located the suspect, Azzm Khan, 29, of 571 Park Avenue, Lakeview, and a bush actively on fire. During the investigation it was determined that Khan had taken a lawn sign from the area and set it on fire. He attempted to shove the lit sign under the door of the Synagogue. He then took the sign and put it in the bush, causing it to ignite and went back to the synagogue door and repeatedly kicked it, causing damage. He was also found to be responsible for the damage to the auxiliary vehicle. The suspect was placed under arrest without further incident.

The investigation is ongoing. At this time there are no known active threats to the community.

Defendant Azzm Khan is charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Arson 3rd degree and Arson 5th degree. He was arraigned at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead on Thursday, October 22, 2026.