According to Haddonfield police, officers were called to the area of Kings Highway East and Tanner Street shortly after 10 a.m. Monday for reports of a man removing Pride flags that had been displayed along the roadway.
Police said 37-year-old Joshua Serad was seen taking the flags down, placing them in his vehicle and driving away. Authorities allege he returned to the area around 12:30 p.m. and removed the remaining flags.
In total, police said nine Pride flags were stolen.
"It's vandalism. It's people who targeted our town. The most important thing is we're not gonna stand for that," said Frank Troy, Haddonfield's public safety director.
Jay Carroll witnessed part of the incident from a nearby coffee shop.
"He just grabbed the flag and pulled it violently," Carroll said.
Carroll said he confronted the man as the incident unfolded.
"When I yelled at him, he was very agitated, and there were a lot of F bombs and 'you guys' and whatever," Carroll said.
Serad was arrested and charged with criminal mischief. Borough officials said the thefts and damage resulted in hundreds of dollars in losses.
"Roughly just under $300 for 12 flags. It's the poles that are more expensive actually, and most of them, if not all of them, were damaged," said Michael Marciante, executive director of the Partnership for Haddonfield.
Residents said they were disappointed by the incident and stressed that it does not reflect the values of the community.
"The town is very welcoming, really, it really is," Carroll said. "It's really very welcoming."
"I was glad to hear that they weren't from Haddonfield," resident Sharon Costantino said. "I think it's not a good thing, and hopefully they learn their lesson and people can just love each other."
Borough officials said replacement Pride flags are expected to be installed along Kings Highway on Wednesday.