Kelowna cops want help identifying man who ripped down Trans flag

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.

The incident happened May 31, and police are now releasing photos of the suspect.

According to a Kelowna RCMP media release, 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 the release.

The suspect is described as 45 to 50 years old with a medium build, balding with some black and grey hair. He was  wearing a pink pattern T-shirt, light-coloured shorts and brown slip-on shoes.

Police would also like to speak with the female who was walking with the suspect.

She is described as being of Asian descent, 40 to 45 years old with a slender build and black hair in a bun. She was wearing a yellow summer dress, carrying a brown purse and wearing light-coloured sandals and carrying a white pizza box. 

Police say attempts so far to identify the man have been unsuccessful.

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.

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