Lethbridge Pride crosswalk damaged by late-night vandal

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. -

Lethbridge police are looking for public assistance identifying the driver of a vehicle who they believe deliberately damaged the Pride crosswalk.

On Aug. 25 at around 12:49 a.m., a patrolling police officer saw a truck do a burn out over the Pride crosswalk, damaging the paint.

Police tried to stop the truck, but the vehicle fled at high speed, heading west on Highway 3 out of town.

The incident is being investigated as a hate-motivated crime.

“In this case, the criminal offence would be mischief under $5,000 being the vandalism to the painted crosswalk on the road there,” said Const. Joel Chenard with the Lethbridge Police Service.

Lethbridge Pride said vandalism doesn't discourage those in the LGBTQ+ community nor is it a surprise to them.

“It’s a let down to see the crosswalks defaced and what not, but it's not going to stop us from celebrating Pride 365 days a year,” Lane Sterr, president of Lethbridge Pride, said.

“I think whether we like it or not, it's always going to be an uphill battle.”

Police have canvassed local businesses for security camera video, but still don't have a good still photo and have not been able to identify the driver.

The suspect's truck is a 2012-14 grey Ford F-150 with black pin striping across the body and a loud aftermarket exhaust.

“I have seen it occur in the city before,” Chenard said. “They don't happen very often, but whenever we do receive a report, we do investigate and take it very seriously.”

Sterr said this isn't the first time the crosswalk has been targeted, but he doesn’t believe incidents like this reflect Lethbridge.

“We’re going to do what our community does best when something unfortunate happens – whether its vandalism or a protest – I know our community often unites and comes together because as we know, we are stronger together as we are divided,” Sterr said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lethbridge police at 403-328-4444. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.