2 teens arrested after probe into burning of Pride flag
Posted June 22, 2021 12:35 pm.
Peel regional police say two 16-year-old boys arrested for allegedly recording themselves burning a Pride flag will have a chance to avoid charges.
In a release, Peel police said the teens, both from Mississauga, were arrested on June 17.
But after consulting with the Peel Crown Attorney’s office, the teens have been given an opportunity to avoid criminal charges by entering the Youth Pre-Charge Diversion Program.
Police said the program helps “hold youth accountable for their offending behaviours and assist them in not re-offending.”
If they don’t successfully complete the program they will face a variety of charges including criminal harassment and mischief.
Police began investigating after a video of the Pride flag being set ablaze began spreading on social media.
During the brief video people can be heard laughing while the flag goes up in flames.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce commented on the video, calling it “disturbing, and unacceptable” while Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie also released a statement, saying she was “appalled and saddened” by the flag burning.
