Man Apprehended After Potential 'Bias Incidents' In Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Police in Bloomfield are investigating two “suspected bias incidents” involving LGTBQ pride flags that took place on Monday, authorities said.

According to the Bloomfield Police Department, the incidents took place at 11:53 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. Authorities said:

"In the first reported incident at 11:53 a.m., a male suspect pulled two pride flags from the ground as well as a sign and threw them on the victim’s front lawn. The suspect then walked over to the front steps and ripped a pride flag from the house, causing a cable line to fall. The suspect is then seen walking towards Saint Thomas Church."

A second similar reported incident occurred at 12:25 p.m., police said:

"The suspect walked onto the victim’s property and removed a pride flag as well as a religious antique (Evil Eye) from a planter located in the front of the residence. The suspect then walks away from the property and threw the flag and the religious antique onto the ground causing it to break."

The man allegedly involved in the incidents has been apprehended, authorities said.

"On Tuesday, the Bloomfield Police Detective Bureau identified and located the suspect involved in both incidents," authorities said. "He was transported to a local hospital and the investigation is ongoing. The suspect’s information will not be released at this time."

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