Union City Man Arrested in Connection with Stealing, Burning American Flag

UNION CITY, CA — A Union City man was arrested earlier this month in connection the theft and burning of an American flag. Sanjay Saxena, 53, has been arrested on suspicion of arson, vandalism and petty theft.

On Oct. 17 around 11:50 p.m., officers with the Union City Police Department responded to the fire station at 31600 Alvarado Boulevard on a report of a stolen American flag. Officers located the flag on fire and draped over a fence across the street, police said. Police said the fire also ignited a nearby tree.

Officers located a man nearby who matched a witness' description of the suspect. The man, later identified as Saxena, admitted he set the flag on fire, police said.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch