Suspect who allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails at houses of worship in Queens eyed in Brooklyn crimes as well

The man accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at multiple locations in Queens, two of them religious, appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon.

Yogesh Sayrange's court appearance was in connection to another incident that took place last month in Queens. 

Police say he may also be behind a string of thefts of religious statues in the area. 

Details of the Molotov attacks

Federal prosecutors say Sayrange, who they allege could be seen on surveillance video wearing a mask, entered a business on Fulton Street in Brooklyn back on June 25 and hurled an incendiary device inside, damaging the floor. The fire was extinguished the store's owner. 

The criminal complaint describes the device as "a green glass bottle with screws attached containing what appeared to be hair, rocks, an ignitable liquid, and other unknown contents attached to two black plastic bags with gray tape."

Surveillance cameras from a deli across the street allegedly captured additional images of Sayrange after the incident. 

Sayrange was taken into federal custody Thursday after the NYPD arrested him for several incidents in Queens. Police allege he hurled a Molotov cocktail at the Iglesia Bautista El Mesias Baptist Church on 75th Street before midnight Wednesday. 

"It's shocking because no one is expecting this, but we are not afraid," Pastor Alex Garcia said. 

Fortunately, there was no damage and no injuries. 

"It landed on the floor and exploded"

Police say Sayrange then went to 78th Street, to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, and threw a Molotov cocktail that struck the door. Again, there were no damages or injuries.

Sayrange allegedly targeted a third location about a block away, off Rockaway Boulevard, police said. He hurled a Molotov cocktail at an ambulette company. 

A manager said he was working the overnight shift when he heard the small explosion. 

"He ran this way, and threw it here. It landed on the floor and exploded. I came out here, we called the fire department," the manager said. 

The NYPD took Sayrange into custody. 

Sayrange is also being questioned about the thefts of religious statues in Queens, police sources said. 

Charges are pending. He was detained after Thursday's court appearance.

Earlier in June, Sayrange was arrested in Queens for allegedly waving an ax at a man and threatening him.