‘Smile for the camera’: CPS looking for Pride, Trans crosswalk vandals in video
Posted Aug 19, 2019 11:05 am.
Last Updated Aug 20, 2019 5:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgary police are looking to identify two people believed responsible for vandalizing the Pride and Trans crosswalks on Stephen Avenue.
The first incident happened around 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 14, when a person wearing construction clothing and a white hard hat used spray paint to write the words “lust” and “lost” on the crosswalks.
“The Hate Crime Unit canvassed the area,” said Acting Sgt. Craig Collins.
“At one point the suspect interacted with a motorist who attempted to turn onto 8 Avenue from Centre Street but was stopped by the individual.”
Several local taxis and a jogger were also seen in the area and may have information that can assist the investigation.
READ MORE: Violent message scrawled on Pride crosswalk
Surveillance images are being released in hopes someone will know the offenders, or the suspects will turn themselves in to police.
The second incident, which happened around 8:20 a.m., on Aug. 18, a person was seen writing the words “shoot a f*****” on the Pride crosswalk. Police are treating this as an unrelated incident to the first case.
“Messages and acts of hate toward this community will not be tolerated by CPS,” said Collins. “These acts of vandalism are committed by cowards who do not have the courage to stand behind their words.”
Collins said there’s a host of cameras surrounding the rainbow and Trans crosswalks downtown, and adds “if you’re going to deface these crosswalks, smile for the camera. We will get you.”
The Calgary Police Hate Crimes Unit has released photos of a man believed to be responsible for that crime. They have also released surveillance video of the first incident.
WATCH: More video released in crosswalk vandalism
“I challenge them to come forward and take responsibility for their actions.” Collins added everyone should share the photos they’ve released to help detectives find those responsible.
“We are not going to stand for hate and violence.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Calgary police or Crimestoppers.
