SLEEPY HOLLOW — Westchester County Police are investigating an arson fire and vandalism spree that caused significant damage over the weekend to the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse.
The damage to the Hudson River lighthouse was discovered about 9:40 a.m. Saturday by a Westchester County Parks employee.
Upon arriving at the lighthouse, the employee observed a smoke condition, broken windows and other property damage.
The Sleepy Hollow police and fire departments responded and put out a small fire with fire extinguishers.
WCPD patrol officers also responded and subsequently turned the investigation over to detectives from the General Investigations Unit.
“The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of our County’s most iconic and cherished landmarks,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said.
“This was a truly despicable act, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Destruction at the lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, included significant fire damage to the flooring on the first floor.
Multiple broken windows on the first and second floors were reported.
Multiple items were destroyed, including valuable antiques, other furniture and items of historical significance.
Damage occurred to about 35 antique books that were removed from shelves and strewn about the floor.
The crime scene was processed by the WCPD Forensic Investigation Unit and the Cause & Origin Team from the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.
GIU detectives are asking anyone with information to contact County Police at (800) 898-8477 or tips@wccops.com.
