Westport Police have arrested a 27-year-old Brooklyn man, for the December theft of Israel flag lawn signs.
On December 30, the WPD initiated a larceny investigation after a complaint was made concerning those thefts. A Colony Road resident saw a man walking down the street, hauling a dumpster.
He stopped at a house across the street, with an Israel flag on the lawn. He seemed to check to see if anyone was looking, then stuffed the flag in his dumpster and continued walking.
The resident got in his car, and took a picture:
Worried what would happen if he confronted someone who would do such a thing, he returned home and called the police.
When he went back out a few minutes later, the man “seemed to have disappeared,” the resident said. “Maybe he was picked up by someone.”
A detective quickly arrived.
The neighbor had already replaced her Israel flag. But as the officer and the resident who called were at his front door discussing the incident, a white car with New York plates pulled up across the street.
Someone jumped out, grabbed the new sign, and zoomed away. He did not see the police car — but the detective saw it all.
He tried to pursue them, but was too late.
The police investigation revealed that 5 Israel flag yard signs were stolen.
William Banks
Through law enforcement sharing, the suspect was identified as William Banks.
A warrant was issued. Yesterday, Banks turned himself in to the Westport Police Department.
He was charged with 6th degree larceny, and released after posting a $500 bond.
He is due in Stamford Superior Court on March 19.