Fourth Teen Arrested In Tarrytown Lighthouse Arson, Vandalism: Police

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — The Westchester County Police Department says that a fourth teen has now been charged in connection with last weekend's arson and vandalism spree at the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow.

The 17-year-old boy was the last suspect being sought by Westchester County police. He is being charged as a juvenile and his name is being withheld due to his age.

Earlier, three other teens were charged in connection with the crime.

WCPD says that two of the suspects, 18-year-old Elvin Ayavaca, of White Plains, and 19-year-old Richard Barrero, of Harrison, have been arraigned in Sleepy Hollow Village Court. They were each charged with felony third-degree arson, felony third-degree burglary, and felony second-degree criminal mischief. Both were released on their own recognizance with a court date scheduled for Monday.

Police say the third suspect, a 17-year-old resident of White Plains, was charged as a juvenile, and was arraigned in the Youth Part of Westchester County Court. His identity is being withheld due to his age. He was also released, with a curfew, and is scheduled to appear in court on July 22.

"The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of the crown jewels of Westchester County and is an heirloom of Westchester’s maritime history," Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said. "By vandalizing the lighthouse and setting part of it on fire, as alleged in the felony complaints, these defendants damaged an irreplaceable connection to our shared heritage."

SEE ALSO:

• Police Release Images Of 'Persons Of Interest' In Lighthouse Arson
• 'Despicable Act': Arson, Vandalism At Historic Tarrytown Lighthouse
• Hudson Valley On The Water: Tarrytown Lighthouse Restoration

Upon arriving at the lighthouse, around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, a Westchester County Parks employee noticed smoke, broken windows, and other property damage.

Once Sleepy Hollow police and fire departments responded to the scene, they extinguished a small fire. WCPD patrol officers also responded and turned the investigation over to General Investigations Unit detectives.

"The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of our County's most iconic and cherished landmarks," County Executive Ken Jenkins said at the time. "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 included: significant fire damage to flooring on the first floor; several broken windows on the first and second floors; several items destroyed, including valuable antiques, other furniture, and historically significant items; and damage to around 35 antique books that were removed from shelves and thrown on the floor.

Police say the crime scene was processed by the Westchester County Police Forensic Investigation Unit and the Cause & Origin Team from the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.

The Westchester County Parks Department is currently working on a detailed damage assessment. A preliminary estimate places damages at around $100,000.

The Parks Department has suspended all scheduled public tours of the lighthouse.

The Tarrytown Lighthouse, located in Sleepy Hollow at Kingsland Point Park, was originally constructed between 1882 and 1883 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The investigation is being conducted by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety with the assistance of the Sleepy Hollow Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Pleadings & Diversion Bureau Chief Craig Ascher and Deputy Bureau Chief Hazem Ennabi.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspects is asked to call the Westchester County Department of Public Safety at 800-898-TIPS (8477).