A Florida man who reported that he felt intimidated by his neighbor’s political sign and flag is facing charges after reportedly ripping them off the fence on which they were hanging and throwing them into a nearby lake.
The current political climate in the United States has contributed to rifts between family, friends, and other members of the general public. Late in the morning on January 14, a Largo man reportedly reacted to his neighbor’s political-themed yard decor in a manner that resulted in his arrest and caused damage to the 67-year-old man’s property.
According to reports, the neighbor had been displaying pro-Trump material, some of which displayed messages containing vulgarity, for over a year. The 55-year-old Democrat, who had put up yard signs showing support for Biden, reportedly reached the end of his rope that morning after his neighbor displayed what he considered to be radical behavior. It was reported that he walked over to his neighbor’s house and tore a sign reading “Eight days to go and fuck you Joe,” and a flag that said “Trump 2024 Fuck Your Feelings” off the man’s fence. Afterward, he allegedly tossed the items into a lake across the street.
The man was taken into custody by officers from the Largo Police Department and eventually booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges for one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief for property damage under $200. The man reportedly admitted to the accusations when he talked to the authorities. He was released from custody on his own recognizance and prohibited from having any contact with his neighbor.
The following day, a judge denied a petition for a protection order filed by the alleged victim, whose fence reportedly took $150 worth of damage during the incident.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.