NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A teenager is facing several charges after allegedly setting fire to a United States flag outside the Northampton post office.
Northampton Police Capt. Corey Robinson said that officers were called to a reported fire at the post office on Bridge Street around 7 p.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they found that an American flag had been lowered on, but was still attached to, a flag pole.
Investigators recognized the colors of the American flag, which appeared to burning in several areas as if sparks ignited several sections, and noted another black flag that was next to it and attached at approximately the same height. The fire was quickly put out by firefighters, preventing further damage, and there was no threat to public safety.
A 16-year-old suspect reportedly fled the scene, but was arrested a short time later on charges including vandalizing property, burning personal property, disorderly conduct, and setting fire in the open.
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