Suspect Detained in Mezuzah Burning Incident
He’s got quite a record
April 10, 2013
(NYDN)
Following the mysterious and heinous torching of 11 mezuzot at a public-housing complex in Brooklyn earlier this week, a suspect is in police custody.
He was identified as Ruben Ubiles, 35, who the police say has more than 50 prior arrests, on charges including robbery, assault, and weapons and drug possession. No information was immediately released on where and how Mr. Ubiles, who uses several names and was initially identified by the police as Rubin Ublies, was apprehended.
The investigation of the incident was initially conducted under the assumption that it was a bias crime–especially given that it happened on Yom HaShoah. According to the report, police are unsure whether the timing of the vandalism was a factor in the crime.
Let’s hope they still realize it’s a hate crime to burn mezuzot.
Vandal Burns Williamsburg Mezuzahs on Holocaust Remembrance Day [Observer]
Man Accused of Burning Jewish Symbols Is in Police Custody [NYT]
Adam Chandler was previously a staff writer at Tablet. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Slate, Esquire, New York, and elsewhere. He tweets @allmychandler.
