New jersey man arrested for damaging pride flags in downtown display

MADISON, NJ – A 21-year-old local man was arrested on charges of criminal mischief after allegedly tearing down six pride flags in downtown Madison early Sunday morning. The incident, which also involved damaging several light stanchions on Waverly Place, occurred around 5 a.m., with the suspect discarding the flags in a trash receptacle in front of a bank.

Madison police utilized surveillance footage to identify and apprehend the borough resident on Monday. He faces a fourth-degree criminal mischief charge, with damages estimated at $500 or less.

“Madison is a welcoming community, and the acts that occurred over the weekend were a prime example of what type of behavior will not be tolerated in Madison. Since 2019, we have been proudly displaying the Pride flags downtown to recognize all LGBTQIA+ residents whose influential and lasting contributions make Madison a vibrant community in which to live, work, and visit.”

The arrest resulted from an investigation on June 9, 2024, when Madison officers were dispatched to Waverly Place for a report of six Pride flags being removed from the light stanchions, with several found damaged. The flags are displayed annually to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. Surveillance video from a Waverly Place business captured the suspect removing the flags and discarding them in a trash receptacle in front of the Chase Bank on Waverly Place. The flags were recovered by officers, secured at the Public Safety Building, and turned over to the Public Works Department for repairs and re-display, which occurred this morning.

During the investigation, patrol officers identified McNamara as the suspect. He was taken into custody at his residence without incident, transported to police headquarters, processed accordingly, and released on a complaint summons pending his court appearance in Madison Joint Municipal Court.

The Madison Police Department has been working closely with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since the case’s inception to ensure the incident did not meet the threshold of a biased crime.

“I want to commend the quick actions of our officers in their response, investigation, and apprehension of our suspect. We take this act very seriously, and this type of behavior has no place in Madison or anywhere else,” said Chief Miscia.

The damaged flags were promptly repaired and reinstalled on Monday. In response to the incident, Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley reaffirmed the community’s commitment to inclusivity, stating,

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