Nanaimo RCMP are hoping to identify a man spotted by nearby surveillance video, who they believe defaced the pride crosswalk in downtown Nanaimo and a nearby mural. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

PRIDE CROSSWALK

Nanaimo police seek more information on ‘hate motivated’ graffiti vandal

Nov 5, 2021 | 3:56 PM

NANAIMO — Local police are repeating calls for help in confirming the identity of a graffiti vandal.

Black paint was used to deface the pride crosswalk at the Commercial St. and Bastion St. intersection in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 3. Similar vandalism also destroyed a pride-themed mural on Wallace St.

The man believed responsible after being caught on security cameras near the scene is described as being in his mid-30’s with short, dark hair.

“It really kind of rocked our community, especially the LGBTQ+,” Cst. Gary O’Brien said. “There’s significance in the mural that was painted over, there’s significance in the crosswalk that was painted over. We believe it was a hate motivated crime.”

Police said at the time said the nature and location of the graffiti a potential “aggravating factor” in relation to any charges being laid.

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Black paint was rolled onto the pride crosswalk in downtown Nanaimo early on Saturday, July 3. Similar damage occurred at a nearby pride mural on Wallace St. (submitted/Lauren Semple)

O’Brien said police are “frustrated” on this file, with no solid identification of the suspect caught on camera.

“The picture is relatively clear, it shows the suspect walking away from the crosswalk…he’s actually carrying a paint brush with him. Somebody knows who this person is and we need to hear from them.”

The crosswalk remained defaced until Sunday, July 4 when members of the LGBTQ2S+ community used their own paint to cover up the vandalism. They also covered over the mural and graffiti with additional black paint.

Lauren Semple, one of the artists of the mural told NanaimoNewsNOW in July removing the damage as quickly as possible was key.

“These crosswalks are signs of solidarity with the community, it’s also a symbol of social inclusion. When city’s paint these crosswalks, it’s meant to say ‘hey, we see you, you’re represented here, you belong here and we’ve got your back’. For both to get targeted like this, it’s quite obvious it’s driven by hate.”

City crews repainted the crosswalk days later, a temporary solution until a raised crosswalk can be installed as part of a redesign for the intersection.

At that time, a higher quality thermo-plastic paint will be used which is designed to be more resilient to graffiti and wear.

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