Richmond RCMP seek four suspects in Pride crosswalk vandalism

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Police are appealing to the public for help in identifying four people suspected of vandalizing Pride crosswalks in Richmond.

On Friday, police released photos of four people believed to be involved in acts of mischief at R.C. Palmer high school in the 8100-block St. Albans Road overnight on Aug. 2.

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All of them were wearing masks or face coverings but some were wearing distinctive clothing, including a black-and-white jacket with an image of Mickey Mouse emblazoned on the front left panel.

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The photos are from video footage in the area of the high school, where a rainbow crosswalk installed at the school on Aug. 1 during Pride week was vandalized that night with homophobic comments. It was repainted, but was targeted repeatedly, including over the B.C. Day long weekend.

Between Aug. 1 and 29, there have been nine incidents of Pride crosswalks vandalized with anti-LGBTQ2S+ graffiti, said RCMP.

Hate-motivated acts can have a significant impact on those being targeted, said Insp. Michael Cohee in a statement. “These mischiefs can potentially undermine our LGBTQ2S+ community’s sense of safety in Richmond,” he said.

The first person was wearing a black hoodie or jacket, black pants, black and white shoes, and a black backpack with a gold Vans logo.

The second person was wearing a black hoodie or jacket, black pants, black shoes.

The third person was wearing a two-toned jacket in black and dark grey or green, black pants, white running shoes, and a black backpack with a red emblem on the side.

The fourth person was wearing a black and white hoodie or jacket with an image of Mickey Mouse on the front left side, black pants with a white stripe down the side, white shoes, and a black backpack with a white emblem on the back.

Anyone who can identify them or have information about the incidents is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.