Police Offer Up To $5G Reward For Vandalism At Ronkonkoma Mosque

RONKONKOMA, NY — Suffolk police have released video detectives believe will help them make an arrest in a hate crime case in which a crescent moon sculpture with a sign was damaged at a Ronkonkoma mosque, and they are offering up a fast cash reward of up to $5,000 for a tip.

Police said an ignited device was placed near or thrown near the sculpture on the property of Masjid Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque on Lake Shore Road on July 4 at about midnight. The mosque itself was not damaged and no one was injured during the incident, according to police.

In the security video released by police, a person can be seen walking toward a crescent moon sculpture and then lingering in front of it. The person can then be seen running away after about a minute.

To watch, go to YouTube.com/scpdtv and click on Wanted for Ronkonkoma Arson/Hate Crime 22-377716.

Detectives are asking anyone who was in the area, including at nearby Lt. Michael Murphy Memorial Park at Lake Ronkonkoma Park, between 10 p.m. on July 3 and midnight to call them with any tips.

The fast cash reward, which will be offered through Crime Stoppers, will be issued within seven days of an arrest.

Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, or using a mobile app, which can be downloaded through the App Store, or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com.

All calls, text messages, and emails will be kept confidential, police said.

Michael DeSantis contributed additional reporting to this story.