George P. Metesky, also known as the 'Mad Bomber', was a notorious figure responsible for a series of bombings in New York City spanning from the late 1940s into the 1950s. Prior to his arrest, Metesky planted more than 30 bombs in various locations, primarily targeting theaters and other public venues. His motives were rooted in a grievance he harbored against Consolidated Edison, the utility company, which he believed had wronged him by failing to provide adequate service and compensation for an injury he sustained at work. The bombings, characterized by a sense of randomness and chaos, instilled fear among New Yorkers for over a decade.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, initiated an extensive investigation that drew upon innovative forensic techniques and psychological profiling methods. The media coined the nickname 'Mad Bomber', and the case garnered national attention as citizens were terrified of the potential for violence. After significant analysis of the bombings and the materials used, police were able to compile a profile of the suspect. The breakthrough came when a tip from a relative led detectives to Metesky's own doorstep in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he was taken into custody.

The arrest of George P. Metesky not only marked the closure of a harrowing chapter in New York’s history but also introduced a new era of criminal profiling and investigative techniques in law enforcement. Metesky's case was notable for how it illuminated the psychology behind criminal behavior, as well as the capacity for modern policing to adapt and respond to such threats. His eventual conviction reinforced the importance of addressing mental health issues within the judicial system.