SUDBURY -- The flags have been taken down, police said Wednesday afternoon, but the investigation continues.
Original story:
A photo tweet by a local radio announcer has instigated an investigation by Greater Sudbury Police of a possible hate crime.
Wednesday morning, G-Rant posted a photo of a home on Howey Drive in the city that was flying an altered version of the Canadian flag with a black swastika over the maple leaf. Underneath was written, 'True Canada.' A second altered flag underneath has a hand in the centre of the maple leaf with the finger raised.
"Is it illegal if I rip it down?" G-Rant tweeted.
Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said in an email they were made aware of the flags Wednesday morning.
"We received a call this morning," Dunn said. "A patrol officer attended the residence to initiate an investigation and the incident has now been assigned to our criminal investigation division."
Detectives are working with the Crown's office as part of their investigation, she said.
"The Greater Sudbury Police Service takes reports of hate motivated crime and hate bias incidents very seriously and we recognize the impact on and pain felt by community members when there is evidence of hatred," Dunn said.
"This incident will be thoroughly investigated by detectives in consultation with the Crown’s office. The investigation into this incident is ongoing."
