PD Investigating Urination On Somerville Veterans Cemetery Flags

SOMERVILLE, MA – Police are looking for a man who allegedly urinated on American flags at the Somerville Veterans Memorial Cemetery Monday. A report has been filed with police and is under investigation, city officials confirmed.

George Gattney, who said he saw the urination while driving down Broadway, wrote on Facebook that a man and woman grabbed "three or four" miniature American flags that were placed in front of the statue. The man then tossed the flags behind the statue and urinated on them, Gattney said.

Gatteny said he confronted the pair, who laughed as they continued up Broadway.

"If these allegations are true, they are offensive not only to our community and our own veterans, but to our entire nation and those who served and continue to serve," Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. "Following the full investigation by the Somerville Police Department, I am confident that anyone who may be found guilty will be held fully responsible for these despicable actions."

The cemetery contains remains of soldiers killed in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the 1982 Beirut bombing, according to Somerville Veterans' Services. In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the agency called the alleged incident an "abominable act."

Police have identified the man pictured above as a person of interest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerville Police Department at 617-625-1600 x7238.

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Image via city of Somerville