BPD is investigating after at least two instances of missing and damaged Pride flags on Harrison Blvd. At this time, the reports are being investigated for possible malicious harassment charges. The flags are owned by the Pride Foundation and put up on Harrison Blvd in coordination with the North End Neighborhood Association for Pride month. BPD was first made aware of the missing flags Wednesday afternoon June 8, 2022. There are varying reports about when the flags were first stolen and they could have been taken overnight Monday into Tuesday or Tuesday night into Wednesday. On Wednesday, 21 flags were counted missing and one was damaged. This morning, Thursday, it was discovered that additional flags had gone missing and were damaged overnight. There are now approximately 35 missing or damaged flags.
Boise Police officers immediately began investigating the report when it came in Wednesday. They went to every home along Harrison Blvd between W. Ada Street and W. Bella Street and neighbors with surveillance cameras are reviewing their footage. Anyone with additional video or information is asked to call police.
“The Boise Police department is directing a number of resources to investigate this crime and detectives are working to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” said Boise Police Deputy Chief Tammany Brooks. “Our officers will not tolerate any crime that targets or makes someone feel targeted because of who they are or who they choose to love.”
Anyone who wishes to report crimes involving the LGBTQ+ community is urged to call 911 for immediate assistance. If someone is looking for additional help or has questions about reporting a crime or follow up, we encourage you to reach out to our LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer Dan Lister. You can reach him at dlister@cityofboise.org.