PATCHOGUE, NY. (1010 WINS) — Two suspects ripped down an LGBTQ Pride flag from a tree at a Patchogue home in May and yelled "anti-LGBTQ slurs," police said Friday as they released video of the duo seen riding their bikes nearby.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday tweeted about the incident, saying, "LGBTQ+ New Yorkers should be able to feel safe and welcome in our communities."
Hochul said she also directed New York state police to aid Suffolk County, however needed, in their investigation.
"We stand with our LGBTQ+ neighbors and against hate in all its forms," she added.
Suffolk County police's Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, which happened on May 17 around 6:35 p.m. at a house on Case Avenue.
The flag was hung in a 64-year-old man's front yard, and it "was pulled down from where it was hanging and damaged in that process" before it was "left on the ground," the department's press office said in an email obtained by Newsday.
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The office did not make it clear what slurs were used.
"The man was in the front yard of the home and provided a description of the suspects to police," the email added. "When the video was obtained, he then identified them as the people involved."
The pair appear to be young, possibly in their teens, according to the video.
Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app that can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching for P3 Tips, or online.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
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