Delta Police are asking for the public’s assistance to help identify a person responsible for damaging a Pride Flag that was hung from the Ladner United Church entranceway.
According to police, on July 5 at approximately 3:25 a.m., an unknown suspect hid their face, attended the church front entrance and attempted to cover up the surveillance camera. Once the suspect believed the camera was concealed, the individual 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 have released several videos (available with this story by clicking on the videos above and the two clips in the story) in the hopes someone will be able to identify the suspect.
The suspect appears to be a Caucasian male between the ages of 50 and 60-years old wearing all black clothing with a blue neck and face covering.
“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,” said Chief Neil Dubord. “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.”
This is the third time in the past two years that the Pride Flag hung outside Ladner United Church has been vandalized.
On June 21, the Progress Pride Flag pole outside Delta City Hall in Ladner was also vandalized.
DPD also said that several City of Delta rainbow street banners attached to light standards on Ladner Trunk Road have been damaged similarly.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Delta Police Department at 604-946-4411 and reference file 22-14382 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
