(The Publica) Lime, a popular electric scooter and bike rental service, has announced it will be implementing a “no-go zone” around a crosswalk painted with a large Pride flag mural in Spokane, Washington. The crosswalk has become the center of much discussion after the arrest of multiple teens for making skid marks on the painted pavement.
On June 6, the Spokane Police Department announced the arrest of three teenagers on charges of 1st Degree Malicious Mischief, all in relation to the alleged vandalism of a Pride flag-painted crosswalk at the intersection of Howard Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard.
According to the press release, “911 received a complaint advising multiple subjects on scooters were causing damage to the newly painted Pride mural.”
🏳️🌈🇺🇸 TEENS ARRESTED FOR HATE CRIME AFTER DRIVING SCOOTER OVER PRIDE MURAL
The 3 teens, two of them unnamed as they’re underage, were arrested in Spokane, Washington, and charged with ‘malicious mischief’ after their scooters left tire marks on a pride mural they rode over.… pic.twitter.com/KdKTkESQzH
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 8, 2024
The release continued: “Officers observed widespread damage as black scuff marks consistent with scooter wheels were observed across the entirety of the mural. The area is clearly marked to keep traffic away as it was just re-painted to repair previous damage.”
Attached to the release were two photos demonstrating the extent of the damage, both of which showed faint black marks on the street painting consistent with thin tire marks.
The alleged vandalism, which was claimed by many to be motivated by homophobia, resulted in an outpouring of condemnation from Spokane’s LGBT community and those purporting to be LGBT allies.
One journalist from a local media station, Adam Schwager, went viral after complaining that he had witnessed other teenagers running over the pride mural crosswalk while he was doing on-site reporting.
“A group of five to six kids just started doing donuts and creating skid marks on the Pride Mural. Right in front of me as we’re reporting on three people getting arrested for doing the same thing last night,” Schwager said, accompanying his post with a video of minors riding on what appeared to be rented Lime scooters.
A group of five to six kids just starting doing donuts and creating skid marks on the Pride Mural. Right in front of me as we’re reporting on three people getting arrested for doing the same thing last night.@KHQLocalNews pic.twitter.com/FMXGAg77fx
— Adam Schwager (@schwagerTV) June 6, 2024
