FBI Offers $20,000 Reward For Needham Synagogue Arson Suspect

NEEDHAM, MA — The FBI have asked for the public's help identifying a man they said is responsible for at least three arson fires at Jewish synagogues in Needham and Arlington. They are offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the man, who the FBI said was captured on surveillance video at the site of the fires.

Around 10 p.m., May 16, authorities were called to the Chabad Jewish Centeron High Rock Street in Needham. The fire on the lattice and vinyl siding of the house was quickly extinguished by the caller before firefighters arrived. The caller told police he believed that the fire was set intentionally, which state authorities have since confirmed.

Emergency crews were also called to Rabbi Avi Bukiet's home on Lake Street in Arlington around 9 p.m., the same night. A police officer on patrol found "light flames" coming from one side of the house and used a fire extinguisher to put it out, police said. This was the second fire reported in the same month at the rabbi's home. The first fire was reported Saturday, May 11 at 11 p.m. The rabbi holds religious services at his house.

Surveillance video from the two places a worship showed a man, about 5-foot-11, "slowly" walking to and from where the fires were set. He was wearing a dark North Face jacket with the hood pulled over his head, khaki pants and holding "unknown items" in each hand, according to the FBI.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Boston Division at 857-386-2000.