Wayne Man Charged After Tearing Down Church's Pride Flag: Police

WAYNE, NJ — Police said Thursday they found the man who tore down a church's Pride flag. Dominick Theophanous was charged with criminal mischief and fourth-degree bias intimidation.

The Grace United Presbyterian Church reported to police Oct. 31 that someone pulled down its flag and flagpole displayed on the church marquee. Wayne Police Det. Jason Clemente canvassed the area and obtained video evidence.

The video showed what appeared to be a male pulling the flag down and fleeing the scene in a black Audi A4, police said. Officer Corey Stevens spotted a vehicle matching the description Wednesday while on a traffic-control post. He obtained the license-plate number and provided it to Clemente.

Further investigation led to contact with Theophanous, who agreed to provide a statement at police headquarters. The 23-year-old Wayne resident admitted he pulled down the flag, police said.

Theophanous was released on a summons.

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