EPD just issued a press releaon se. Theft occurred on June 14, EPD was informed June 18. Man admitted to stealing the flag but it is no longer in his possession. You can watch the video via the link provided.
EPD Press Release:
On June 14, 2024 at approximately 11:40 pm, the Pride flag, that had been flying on the flag pole at the Humboldt County Courthouse in honor of Pride month, was stolen. The theft was reported to the Eureka Police Department on June 18, 2024 and assigned to our Criminal Investigations Unit to investigate.
The investigation revealed the suspect took the flag from the flag pole and placed it in his vehicle prior to leaving the scene. This criminal act was captured on surveillance cameras located at the courthouse. With the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigators and their FLOCK camera system, the suspect vehicle was identified and a picture provided to our agency. Utilizing this information, a person of interest was identified.
On June 19, 2024, EPD Detectives and personnel responded to the suspect’s residence and conducted a probation search per their probation status. The stolen flag was not located during the search. The suspect was located a short time later at a different location and interviewed. During the interview the suspect admitted to stealing the flag. However, the suspect was not in possession of the flag and the flag’s current location is unknown.
An EPD Detective is authoring a warrant for the suspect’s arrest for theft and probation violation.
We are dedicated to conducting thorough investigations, including those related to hate crimes that can significantly impact our community.
According to California Law, a hate crime must involve the use of force, threats or the damaging, destroying or defacing of property. In this specific investigation, with the evidence that we have at this time, these elements were not present. If additional evidence is located or presented, it will be evaluated and used to charge additional offenses. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further review and issuance of a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.
EPD Chief Brian Stephens states, “It’s absolutely unacceptable for anyone to steal the pride flag or any symbol that represents inclusivity and equality. Such actions are not only disrespectful but also hurtful to those who identify with a particular group or in the incident the LGBTQ+ community. Pride flags and symbols are important expressions of identity and solidarity, and everyone should be able to display them without fear of theft or damage. There is no place in our community or our society for hate and disrespect to one another.”
View video at this link:
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