A Pride flag was cut down at a west Ottawa Catholic elementary school in what police are investigating as a hate-motivated incident.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board confirmed Tuesday that the incident occurred at St. Michael School on Corkery Road, west of Stittsville.
“The damaged flagpole was replaced, and a new flag was installed on Monday,” Sharlene Hunter, senior manager of communications for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, said in an email.
“The Ottawa Catholic School Board condemns acts of vandalism and remains committed to ensuring our schools are welcoming, safe, and respectful spaces for all students and staff.”
The Ottawa Police Service says officers were called to the 1500 block of Corkery Road at about 8:17 p.m. on June 7 after receiving a report of property damage. When officers arrived, they found that a flagpole displaying a Pride flag had been cut down.
Police were searching for a suspect described as a “heavy-set man” between the ages of 25 and 40. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and dark-coloured shorts and was believed to be driving a four-door sedan.
The OPS Hate and Bias Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Hate and Bias Crime Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5015.
