DELTA Police are requesting the public’s assistance to help identify a suspect responsible for damaging a Pride Flag that was hung from the Ladner United Church entranceway.
On Tuesday at approximately 3:25 a.m., an unknown suspect hid their face, approached the church front entrance and attempted to cover up the surveillance camera.
Once the suspect believed the camera was covered up, the suspect left and then returned with a pole and began to damage the flag by striking it multiple times. Police believe that the pole had some form of a sharp edge at the tip, resulting in the flag being torn in multiple places.
Police are asking the public to review the photo or video to generate information regarding the identity of the suspect, who appears to be a white male, 50 to 60 years old, wearing all black clothing and a blue neck and face covering, as seen on the Ladner United Church’s surveillance video provided to police.
Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord said: “The material cost of a flag is minimal, but the damage to the fabric of our community, again, is significant when someone intentionally damages a symbol of love, inclusivity and pride. There is no room for hate or intolerance in our communities, and we are asking for the assistance of the public to solve this senseless crime.”
Coincidentally, police also found multiple City of Delta Pride Flags attached to light standards on Ladner Trunk Road damaged in a similar manner.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Delta Police Department at 604-946-4411 and reference file 22-14382 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477