Police: State College man arrested for setting PRIDE flag on fire at local church
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A 27-year-old man has been arrested following a series of incidents in downtown State College where police said he lit a PRIDE flag on fire, shouted homophobic slurs, and damaged other decorations.
Markos Bejiga, a resident of State College, was charged with one felony count of Causing or Risking a Catastrophe, a misdemeanor count of Disorderly Conduct, and three summary counts of Criminal Mischief. The incidents happened Friday morning, June 6, according to State College police.
Investigators say Bejiga lit a PRIDE flag on fire outside the Faith United Church of Christ, attempted to set another flag ablaze while climbing a streetlight pole, and damaged decorations at Chumley's and Café 210 West. He is also accused of shouting slurs at bystanders during the acts.
Bejiga was arrested on June 9 and taken to the Centre County Correctional Facility for arraignment. Bail was set at $10,000 by District Judge Lachman. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11 at the Centre County Courthouse.
Police continue to seek any additional witnesses or information related to the incident. Tips can be submitted by phone, email, or anonymously via the department's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Police: State College man arrested for setting PRIDE flag on fire at local church
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A 27-year-old man has been arrested following a series of incidents in downtown State College where police said he lit a PRIDE flag on fire, shouted homophobic slurs, and damaged other decorations. Markos Bejiga, a resident of State College, was charged with one felony count of Causing or Risking a Catastrophe, a misdemeanor count of Disorderly Conduct, and three summary counts of Criminal Mischief. The incidents happened Friday morning, June 6, according to State College police. Investigators say Bejiga lit a PRIDE flag on fire outside the Faith United Church of Christ, attempted to set another flag ablaze while climbing a streetlight pole, and damaged decorations at Chumley's and Café 210 West. He is also accused of shouting slurs at bystanders during the acts. Bejiga was arrested on June 9 and taken to the Centre County Correctional Facility for arraignment. Bail was set at $10,000 by District Judge Lachman. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11 at the Centre County Courthouse. Police continue to seek any additional witnesses or information related to the incident. Tips can be submitted by phone, email, or anonymously via the department's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
