DAVIS, Calif. — A Davis couple was revictimized after a man ripped down their pride flag and drove off with it over the weekend.
Davis police confirmed to ABC10 Tuesday that it's the second time this year someone has stolen a flag from the couple's front yard. Both cases are being investigated as a hate crime.
Suzanne Crago-Schneider says the many flags displayed in front of her home hold special meaning to her and her family.
"We feel that everybody has a right to peacefully exist and that we should all coexist peacefully, and so it's an all-inclusivity. This particular flag has to do with gay, transgender, etc.," said Crago-Schneider.
That peace was disturbed Saturday when their Ring camera caught a man tearing down their pride flag around 8 p.m.
"My thoughts are is that it's really disgusting," said Crago-Schneider.
The family reported it to the Davis Police Department the next day.
"An individual had arrived in a white SUV as a passenger, gotten out on the 1100 block of L Street, and removed a pride flag that was affixed to a home there. (He) got into the SUV and left," said Davis Police Department spokesman Lt. Dan Beckwith.
Police say it appears the man has light-colored hair and was wearing grey shorts, a black hoodie and face mask.
Crago-Schneider says the saddest part is they've been targeted before.
Back in April, a man was caught on camera cutting the flag of Israel down from their home.
"We put that up after October 7th and it's very personal because I'm the daughter and the granddaughter of Holocaust victims who did make it out alive, but nonetheless they're survivors, so it's very personal. I also feel very bad about what's happening to people in Gaza," said Crago-Schneider.
"As a department, we stand behind all victims of hate crimes regardless of their background. We're going to investigate this to as far as we can and hopefully be able to identify this person," said Lt. Beckwith.
Crago-Schneider says she feels threatened someone was so close to her home, and she wants her flags left alone.
"You know the thing is at this point it wasn't particularly dangerous, but you never know when things are going to escalate, so I'd like the person to be found. So, if you know him or you know the getaway car driver, I'd appreciate it if you did tell the Davis police," said Crago-Schneider.
The family has since replaced both of their stolen flags with new ones. If you have any information, you can anonymously report it by calling Davis PD at 530-747-5400 or emailing PoliceWeb@cityofdavis.org.
