Teenager ‘forcibly removed' Pride flag at LGBTQ center

( KRON ) – The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office issued a citation to a teenager who "forcibly removed" a Pride flag.

Around 9 p.m. on Friday, a minor forcibly removed the pride flag from the front of the CoastPride Center building in Half Moon Bay. According to the sheriff's office, the teenage suspect caused damage to the flag.

San Mateo deputies were quickly informed of the damage by eyewitnesses. Deputies located the suspect near the scene and apprehended them. The suspect was identified as a 14-year-old Half Moon Bay resident. The suspect was given a citation and was released to their parents.

The sheriff's office said this case has been given to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office for further review and potential prosecution.

This incident is the third vandalism being investigated as a potential hate crime at CoastPride Center. An investigation has been launched to determine if the previous incidents are related to this case.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office reminds residents if they ‘see something, say something.'

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