Flag display burned in LaPorte

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LaPorte flags set fire

Police say five American flags hanging on light posts in downtown LaPorte were set on fire over the weekend. (Photo provided)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Jul 8, 2008 at 7:50 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

LAPORTE, Ind. (AP) — Police say five American flags hanging from light posts in downtown LaPorte were set on fire over the weekend.

Chief of Detectives Clyde Crass says they are following up on several leads.

Police were called Sunday evening by a resident who said he heard a man and woman talking about burning flags the night before.

The charred flags were hanging about 10 feet from the ground on posts along the 700 block of Clay street in the northern Indiana city. A plastic gas can was found in a nearby planter.

Crass said he did not know if the fires were related to the apparent arson fire that destroyed playground equipment at an elementary school on Saturday.

The flags will be given to the American Legion for disposal.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 3:50 PM G_d Lover wrote ...

uh, Viet Vet, the wars over buddy. While I admire your patriotism, I dont think going on a rambo style mission against these guys is the answer, but it sure would be fun to watch! Good luck with the flashbacks!

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:48 AM a viet vet wrote ...

please just post their names and addressed and we will take care of it

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 8:48 AM Anonymous L wrote ...

If you don't appreciate the US flag and the rights and freedoms that come with being a citizen of this country, then get out!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:51 PM Julie wrote ...

Send the worthless scums over to live in a country where the U.S. flag doesn't fly & where they don't have the protection of this country's rights & freedoms to protect them!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:37 PM from LaPorte wrote ...

This is to answer Walkerton's question about where are the police. Well it's a well known fact that in LaPorte there are only 3 officers on duty at a time. I needed help the other day after finding 2 toddlers left at the park. I called for over 45 min. and asked when is the officer coming. Before any help came the childrens drunk mother showed up and pulled them by their arms to her car. When I asked the police why no one showed up they explained there are only 3 officers per shift.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:02 PM U:S Patriot wrote ...

How come you burned our precious flag like that. We need more patriots in America to protect our borders. Instead of burning our flag why don t you burn your behind in the space haeter.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 5:57 PM proud navy vet wrote ...

I hope those who is involved would get the full extent of the law and given probation for 7 years or more

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 5:04 PM Stunned and dismayed wrote ...

This was a hate crime, we need the FBI on this NOW! I just can't believe someone would stoop to this kind of thing. I would suspect it's either communists or some illegal foreigners, possibly Leputangenese. And I wouldnt drive them to Canada, I'd have the National guard MARCH them there, barefoot at the end of a bayonet. Other Flag related regulations can be found here : http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm Read and learn people.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:05 AM Walkerton wrote ...

Sounds like LaPorte has some real problems. Where are the police? Why don't neighbors call in crimes in progress. Burning flags and school playground equipment is really low. I hope charges are filed when the people are caught and not just wrist slapped.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:12 AM Responsible Freedom wrote ...

I believe burning the flag should be outlawed, but a liberal appeals court has ruled it as freedom of speech, but only if you burn a flag you have purchased. To burn flags without stating why tells me you do not deserve to live in this country. Stand up and express your opinion, have the guts to defend it. For those who did this, Canada and Mexico are few short miles away, I would be happy to drive you there, I will even pay for the gas.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:57 AM Linda wrote ...

I can't think of anything more UNamerican than this.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:41 AM Proud American wrote ...

I hope whoever committed this crime is caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law. This took a very sad individual.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Find the idiots that did it and set the on fire also!

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