American Flag Set On Fire Outside Everett Store

EVERETT (CBS) - Everett Police are looking for three suspects seen on surveillance video outside a local convenience store setting an American flag on fire.

Cameras barely catch a face, but they catch the action when someone stands on a barrel and soon after embers start flying outside The Corner Store on Bucknam Street.

Neighbors say the flag has been flying on a pole outside the store for as long as anyone can remember. "It's sad, the flag means a lot to people and it's disappointing to know the flag was there and now it's not," said resident Annamae Colantonio.

Cameras catch three suspects running from the scene and cars passing but never stopping. From his home across the street Adrian Woodford heard firefighters arrive, but only now realizes the damage. "I respect the flag very much and they don't," said Woodford.

It happened so quickly not even the store owner realized what was happening until she looked out and saw the fire crews.

Neighbors are concerned there could have been more damage. "That store caught on fire just last summer and now they burn a flag there after they put money and time into it to bring it back," said Amariz Valdes.

Police are hoping the cameras caught just enough to identify the suspects. For residents it's also the symbolism of the destructive act that hurts the neighborhood. "I get that people have the right to feel and express themselves in certain way, but that's not the way to do it," said Colantonio.