A man was caught on surveillance cameras cutting down and stealing an American flag at a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter in Florida. The surveillance video, shared on social media by the chapter, showed a man wearing a yellow t-shirt and jeans surveying the flag pole at the Titusville, Florida, nonprofit before proceeding to vandalize it on Tuesday evening. He is then seen taking what appeared to be a knife and cutting down the flag pole strings, causing Old Glory to billow to the ground. The man then crumples up the flag before damaging an outdoor grill and seating areas used by veterans at the chapter. Commander John Dunn expressed his heartbreak and disappointment, noting that crimes like this take resources away from veterans.
Dunn later shared on Facebook that he was heartened by the outpouring of support from the community. People rallied to assist the veteran nonprofit, presenting DAV 109 with a brand new Pit Boss pellet grill to replace the one that was destroyed, with two more couples donating grills to the chapter. The community’s response left Dunn grateful and overwhelmed by the quick and generous support. He expressed his thanks to everyone who had shown support for the chapter through donations and contributions. The response from the community lifted Dunn’s spirits after the initial shock and disappointment of the vandalism.
After identifying the vandal through surveillance footage and community help, the Titusville Police Department confirmed that they captured the suspect on Friday afternoon. Jonathan Wayne Smyth, 42, of Mims, Florida, was charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Petit Theft. He was located at approximately 3 p.m. on Friday and taken into custody without incident. Smyth was booked into the Brevard County Jail and is currently being held without bond. The quick apprehension of Smyth was a relief to the DAV chapter and the community as a whole, as it demonstrated that acts of vandalism and destruction would be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
The community’s response to the flag vandalism at the DAV chapter in Florida showcased the power of unity and support. The quick identification and arrest of the suspect, Jonathan Wayne Smyth, by the Titusville Police Department reinforced the message that such acts of vandalism against symbols of national pride and support for veterans will not be tolerated. The outpouring of support from community members, who donated grills and resources to the chapter, demonstrated the resilience and strength of the bonds that tie people together in times of need. The incident, while initially disheartening, ultimately brought the community together in a show of solidarity and support for the DAV chapter and its mission to assist and serve veterans in the area.
