Arsonist sought in flag-burning case

Long Beach police and fire department investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect believed to be responsible for removing an American flag from the exterior of a residence and destroying it.
On July 25, around 8:25am, police officers were dispatched to the 6200 block of Pageantry Street regarding a report of vandalism. The preliminary investigation revealed that between 12:25am and 12:50am, a male suspect removed a 5-foot-by-9-foot nylon American flag from a flagpole and burned it on the street.

Around 8am, the victims noticed their metal flagpole was leaning against the roof of their residence and realized their flag was missing. The homeowners looked around and found the remnants of the burnt flag on the street in front of a neighbor’s residence and called police. Because of the nature of the crime, arson investigators also responded to begin an investigation.
Surveillance video shows that, around 12:27am, the suspect walked up to the victim’s front porch area then loitered there a while. Around 12:47am, the suspect removed the flagpole from its base and laid it down; then he removed the American flag from the pole. The suspect subsequently moved around a vehicle to the street, ignited the flag with an open flame and walked away. Smoke and flames are visible in the video, until the flag burns itself out. No other property damage was located.
The suspect seen in the video is described as male, white or Hispanic, early 20s, stocky build, with a tattoo on the outside of his left calf and a tattoo on the inside of his right calf. He was wearing a baseball cap, a T-shirt with a logo on the front and shorts.
Video of the suspect and the flag-burning are available at the following links: youtube.com/watch?v=UbQzKQQoSSQ, youtube.com/watch?v=XkFqTrmiKyI and youtube.com/watch?v=w_SWZDmIvGk .
The crime is a felony and is punishable by up to three years in state prison, according to police.
Long Beach police and fire department investigators say they have exhausted all leads but are hopeful someone may recognize the suspect in the video and come forward with information. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Long Beach Fire/Arson Investigator Dennis Zigrang at (562) 570-2575. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .