Police in Florida have arrested and charged an 18-year-old who allegedly performed donuts over a painted pride flag in St. Petersburg.
Christian Maier, 18, has been charged with a criminal mischief felony, and racing or stunt driving on a public street, for the alleged damage to the mural between Central Avenue and 25th Street.
On May 22, video footage captured a driver performing donuts over the painted mural in the early hours of the morning. The clip, which local law enforcement officers claim features Maier “recklessly maneuvering his car in a way to leave several tire marks across the mural and causing significant damage,” sparked a “manhunt” for the perpetrator just weeks before the beginning of pride month.
Local media reports that the damage caused to the mural, which was restored prior to the beginning of June, amounted to $1,100. Maier reportedly pleaded not guilty through an attorney and has since been released from Pinellas County Jail after posting a $5,500 bond.
The incident draws similarities to a similar case across the country in Washington, where three teenagers were also charged for allegedly causing damage to a pride flag.
Leaving tire marks over pride flags has been a contentious issue since the wave of protests began, with many arguing that such acts are an example of free speech.
Others questioned whether pursuing perpetrators was a valuable use of police time and resources.
There was also some criticism aimed towards Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis given that eradicating woke ideology is a key foundation of his policy platform.
Why are there so many pride flags painted on intersections all across America but yet there aren’t any Stars and Stripes?
A painted road is dangerous to motorcyclists. Especially when wet. So bikers, if you wipe out because of this, be sure to sue the city and the state that allows it. A human life isn’t worth a single democrat vote.
Donuts on the woke “Pride Flag” only improve the look and add diversity to it. It seems they have a problem with the donuts being black.
The roadway is just a roadway, not a “sign, advertisement, or direction”. The idea of charging a ‘felony’ is ludicrous.
If it’s ok to burn an American flag then any other display like a pride flag can be vandalized too. The only people we should be protecting are the vulnerable ie. children, handicapped and the elderly. And who’s dumb idea was it to paint cross walks? That’s like entrapment for stupid young males. I’m a mom of girls and I could still see the behavior coming.
Paint them over. This is ridiculous.
Flotida is NOT the place to be. Too many tyrant cops and no freedom to practice common sense.
Pride…..a deadly sin.