Veteran Upset After His Flag Is Stolen Multiple Times In Bethany

Iraq war veteran, Peter Green, keeps Old Glory flying proudly in his front yard, as do many of his neighbors.

“It’s a symbol for me of all the guys I knew over there,” said Green.

But Green's flags have a tendency of waving goodbye.

Just before 4 a.m., Veterans Day 2015, a man was seen walking down NW 26^th Street in Bethany, before stopping in front of the American flag on a tree stump.

“He starts yanking on it in all directions,” said Green.

He said his flag has been stolen six times in the past two and a half years.

“The first time it happened, I literally couldn’t believe it because there wasn’t any gain in it.”

But after the sixth time, armed with the surveillance footage, Green said he was ready to go to police.

“Some of our officers were familiar with the individual and I believe that’s how we were able to identify him,” said Bethany Police Chief Phil Cole.

It was enough to write up a summons, and to issue a court date for the flag fiend.

Green said he thought justice would come through the court system, but the man never showed up to court. According to police, he was never served his papers.

While Green said he's upset, he’s not going to stop flying his broad stripes and bright stars. He also said he won't give up on justice.

“Seeing him sit in jail for a day or two wouldn’t break my heart,” said Green.

The City said they are still looking for the culprit and have set a follow up court date for next month.