Flagpole flying the Pride flag cut down at Ottawa Catholic school: police

The Ottawa Catholic School Board says a damaged flagpole has been replaced at St. Michael Catholic School, and the Pride flag has been reinstalled. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service is looking to identify a suspect after a flagpole displaying the Pride flag was cut down at a Catholic elementary school in Carp last weekend.

Police responded to a call at approximately 8:15 p.m. Sunday for damage at a property on Corkery Road, near March Road.

“Officers responded and discovered that a flagpole displaying a Pride flag had been cut down,” police said.

The suspect is described as a heavy-set man between 25 and 40 years old and he was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and shorts, according to police. The suspect was driving a four-door sedan.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board confirmed the incident occurred at St. Michael School on Corkery Road.

“The damaged flagpole was replaced, and a new flag was installed on Monday,” the board said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“The Ottawa Catholic School Board condemns acts of vandalism and remains committed to ensuring our schools are welcoming, safe, and respectful spaces for all students and staff.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Hate and Bias Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5015.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App