Kelowna RCMP are asking the public for help to identify a man who ripped down a Trans flag hanging in front of the Kelowna Art Gallery.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP
Republished July 07, 2023 - 8:29 AM
Original Publication Date July 06, 2023 - 5:08 PM
Kelowna RCMP have identified the man who ripped down a Trans flag hanging in front of the Kelowna Art Gallery.
The incident happened May 31, and police releases photos of the suspect yesterday, July 6.
The incident took place at about 8:45 p.m. and the male suspect was accompanied by a woman carrying a white pizza box.
Video footage showed the man jumping up and ripping down the Trans flag. He's believed to have said he was going to "throw it in the garbage."
Police say he was also going to try to rip down the Rainbow flag but couldn't reach it.
"We take these incidents seriously and are looking to hold those involved responsible. We will be investigating the mischief itself as well as the motivation behind it, keeping in mind that any crime motivated by hate, prejudice or bias can be considered an aggravating factor at sentencing," Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Michael Gauthier said in a media release.
The suspect has now been identified and has spoken with police. RCMP will only say the investigation is ongoing.
RCMP had also said they wanted to speak with the woman who was with the suspect but there's no indication that has happened.
Police say there will be no further information released to the public about the incident at this time.
Anyone with any information should call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2023-30510 or remain anonymous and call Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.
— This story was updated Friday, July 7, 2023, with new information from RCMP.
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