EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Detectives in Evanston have been canvassing several neighborhoods after someone left pride flags with hateful messages at homes and businesses.
It started Thursday, written on the small pride flags in Sharpie pen, “pride death” and at least one of the flags had been burned.
Investigators are seeking out surveillance images that might show the person or persons in the act. Once identified they will be taken into custody.
“Depending on the individual’s motive and other activities, evidence that’s recovered, this could rise to the level of a hate crime,” Evanston Police Commander Ryan Glew said.
Glew told WBBM that it hasn’t been determined yet if anyone at the targeted homes or businesses identify as LGBTQ and there doesn’t appear to be any specific threat to the community. The anxiety this causes, however, he said, is very real.
“Whether their intent is as a prank or to be disruptive, [it] is extremely alarming to the community at large and especially people that occupy the LGBTQ community. That cannot be overstated,” Glew said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Evanston Police.
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