Pride flag torched as anti-LGBTQ incidents flare anew in small town
The flag was lit on fire at an elementary school in Norwich, a community in Oxford County
Article content
Police are investigating after a rainbow Pride flag was lit on fire at an elementary school in Norwich, an Oxford County community where there have been several prior incidents involving LGBTQ symbols.
Two people took the Pride flag from the flagpole at Emily Stowe elementary school on Jerdon Street in Norwich on Friday around 11:35 p.m. and lit it on fire, Ontario Provincial Police in Oxford County say.
Recommended Videos
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Pride flag torched as anti-LGBTQ incidents flare anew in small town Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
There are no descriptions of the suspects, but police said the investigation is ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 on a cellphone.
Norwich, a town of about 11,000 south of Woodstock, was thrust into the spotlight in 2023 when the town’s politicians voted to ban the flying of non-government flags on any municipal property – which critics saw as a veiled way to ban Pride flags in the town, where a large Christian church plays an influential role. Politicians overturned the ban in early 2024.
Police had issued a stern warning in June 2023 after several Pride flags were stolen in Norwich.
“The OPP is reminding the public that theft and vandalism are criminal acts and will not be tolerated,” police had said in a statement. “Any individual who engages in vandalism or theft may face a criminal charge.”
Man charged in crash that killed six-year-old
Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 22-year-old from Wallaceburg in a crash that killed a six-year-old boy in Sombra, a village located south of Sombra.
Police say officers responded to a crash on April 29 around 6:50 p.m. at the intersection of St. Clair Parkway and West Smith Line. A child from Walpole Island, 6, was killed. Two people who suffered life-threatening injuries are now in stable condition and recovering, police said.
A 22-year-old from Wallaceburg is facing several charges including dangerous driving causing death. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing and is next scheduled in Sarnia court on May 28.
The Sarnia Observer has identified the child killed as Tyrus (Boot) Daniel.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.