Richmond RCMP looking for 4 suspects after Pride crosswalks vandalized

Mounties in Richmond are asking the public for help in identifying four suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of at least one Pride crosswalk in the city.

The RCMP says it has investigated nine incidents of anti-2SLGBTQ+ graffiti on Pride crosswalks between Aug. 1 and 29.

According to investigators, video canvassing has identified four people in connection with one incident that took place on Aug. 2 at Palmer Secondary School on St. Albans Road.

Related article: ‘It’s obviously unacceptable’: Richmond rainbow crosswalks vandalized

“While the suspects (sic) faces are all covered, some are wearing distinctive clothing which may assist in their identification,” said Corp. Adriana O’Malley.

Police say one suspect was wearing a black hoodie or jacket, a dark face mask, black pants, black and white shoes, and was carrying a black backpack with a gold Vans logo on it at the time of the vandalism.

One of the suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of a Pride crosswalk in Richmond in August 2023. (Courtesy Richmond RCMP)

Another suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie or jacket, a white face mask, black pants, black shoes, and was carrying a white can.

One of the suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of a Pride crosswalk in Richmond in August 2023. (Courtesy Richmond RCMP)

The third suspect was wearing a two-toned jacket — possibly black and dark grey or green — black pants, white shoes, and was carrying a black backpack with a red emblem on the side. This person is also said to have been carrying a white can.

One of the suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of a Pride crosswalk in Richmond in August 2023. (Courtesy Richmond RCMP)

Police say the fourth suspect was wearing a black and white hoodie or jacket with Mickey Mouse on the front left, black pants with a white stripe down the side, white shoes, and was carrying a black backpack with a white emblem on the back.

One of the suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism of a Pride crosswalk in Richmond in August 2023. (Courtesy Richmond RCMP)

“We are releasing these nine images and encourage anyone who recognizes these individuals or has information regarding these incidents to contact police,” said O’Malley.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie has condemned the vandalism, saying “it’s obviously unacceptable” in an interview with CityNews last month.

“These crosswalks are statements that say we value diversity and inclusion, we value everybody in our community, and we support them in whatever they choose to do,” he explained.

He added the “offensive graffiti” was promptly covered up once it was reported.

A rainbow crosswalk outside Palmer Secondary School that was vandalized twice in less than a month, pictured in August 2023. (CityNews Image)

“Hate motivated crimes or incidents can have a significant impact on those being targeted. These mischiefs can potentially undermine our LGBTQ2S+ community’s sense of safety in Richmond,” Insp. Michael Cohee, officer-in-charge of Investigative Services and Community Engagement, said in a release Friday.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and we are doing everything we can to identify those involved which is why we are appealing to the public for your assistance in identifying these suspects.”

Police are asking anyone with information about the vandalism or suspects pictured to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.solvecrime.ca.