Technology Led to Mezuzah Arson Suspect Arrest

The NYPD denied Friday a published report saying an "ear lobe" photo of a suspected arsonist proved to be the crucial match in its database that led to the man's arrest.

But the department acknowledged "Facial Recognition Technology" did play a role in the apprehension of the 35-year old suspect, Ruben Ubiles—a career criminal with 52 arrests in his background.

Ubiles was charged with multiple counts of arson and burglary as hate crimes—for the Monday and Tuesday burning of twelve Jewish mezuzahs, on the apartment doors of residents in Williamsburg buildings. A mezuzah holds a tiny, religious scroll containing a prayer.