Flag burning erupts in Whittier neighborhood

WHITTIER - Vandals burned nearly a dozen flags in the southeast part of the city over a five-week period, authorities said Thursday.

Detective Jared Burns of the Whittier Police Department said 11 flags were partially charred - six American flags and five garden banners. All the burnings occurred in the same residential area near the Whittwood Town Center, he said.

The neighborhood hit is bounded by Whittier Boulevard to the north, Lambert Road to the south, Santa Gertrudes Avenue to the east and Colima Road to the west.

Burns said police have few leads but believe the perpetrator may be driving a gray or white pickup truck.
"Residents should be vigilant," Burns said. "If they see or hear anything suspicious, give the police a call."

Tami Wysocki, who lives on Jupiter Street with her husband and children, said the American flag in front of her home was charred and melted about three weeks ago. "If I caught them, I'd wring their little necks," Wysocki said. "Obviously, it can be a bit dangerous."

A new flag already flies in place of the Wysockis' charred one. Wysocki said she is not afraid of vandalism, but that her family is watching their home more closely. "My husband was really upset," Wysocki said. "He's very patriotic." Wysocki said her family did not file a police report about the flag incident.

Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said her American flag had been burned three times. Her home also sustained other vandalism, she said.

Wysocki said she had heard that some houses had also been tagged with lipstick and the moniker "Joker," though she did not know if the incidents were connected. According to Burns, the flags were hanging in front of houses. The burnings began Aug. 4, with the last one on Sept. 12, he said.

Burns warned that residents should not confront vandals, but rather should report any incidents to police. Although most burnings have caused only minor damage and danger, Burns also said to follow basic fire safety. "It it's something that they would deem is of a serious nature, they would definitely want to contact the Fire Department," Burns said.

Residents who were attacked by the vandals said they will be ready if it happens again.
"We're definitely going to put surveillance out," Wysocki said. "I want to catch them."

To report information on flag burnings, call the Whittier Police Department at (562) 945-8271.

Story courtesy of Airan Scruby of the Whittier Daily News

Staff Writer Keith Durflinger contributed to this story.