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Blocked Bathroom Access Sparked NYC Mosque Attack

Frappuccino firebomber confesses

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2012 12:35 AM CST | Updated Jan 4, 2012 4:12 AM CST

(Newser) – Police say an unemployed truck driver suspected of carrying out a string of firebombing attacks in New York has confessed to the attacks, and told them that he targeted a mosque because he wasn't allowed to use its bathroom. Ray Lazier Lengend, 40, has been charged with five counts of arson, with one count considered a hate crime, the New York Daily News reports. He has prior convictions for larceny and crack possession.

Lengend made "broad anti-Muslim statements" during questioning, and had a personal problem with each location attacked, including a store where he was caught trying to steal a pre-packaged Starbucks frappuccino, empty bottles of which were used in the attacks. Lengend also firebombed a relative's home, which he mistakenly believed was that of a crack dealer, and a home that doubled as a Hindu temple. Police say Lengend incorrectly believed that the Hindu house belonged to somebody he had a fight with years ago.

Ray Lazier Lengend is led out of the 103rd precinct Queens. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

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Blocked Bathroom Access Sparked NYC Mosque Attack

Frappuccino firebomber confesses

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