'Despicable Act': Arson, Vandalism At Historic Tarrytown Lighthouse

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — The Westchester County Police Department says that it is investigating an arson fire and vandalism that caused significant damage to the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow.

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. "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 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.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Westchester County police, through their tip lines, where messages are confidential, and tipsters are able to remain anonymous:

• Voice Tip Line: (800)898-TIPS (8477)
• Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to this address.
• Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App, for Apple and Android phones, has a Submit a Tip button to allow tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. Enter "Westchester County PD" in the app store search bar to locate and download.