Mugshot of man accused of stealing rainbow flags in Guerneville released

GUERNEVILLE, Calif. -- A mugshot of a man who was arrested on suspicion of stealing rainbow flags and making threats in the North Bay has been released.

Vincent O'Sullivan, 55, was taken into custody Saturday in Guerneville.

O'Sullivan allegedly threatened to harm the LGBTQ community with explosives and twice stole a rainbow flag from the Guerneville Chamber of Commerce.

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If not for the insult, they say it might almost be beautiful: A rainbow flag, stolen, then tossed from the Guerneville Bridge to the bottom of the Russian River.

The flag, symbolizing LGBTQ pride, was stolen on April 26 from the building at 16201 First Street in the unincorporated area of Guerneville in Sonoma County. Sonoma County sheriff's deputies began investigating the theft.

The building arranged for a replacement, but the flag was again stolen on May 5. According to Sonoma County's website, Guerneville became a "welcoming resort area for Bay Area gay men and lesbians" in the 1970's.

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During the investigation, deputies learnt of a suspect making threats to detonate a pipe bomb at the Guerneville Safeway.

Deputies said the suspect's intent was to injure deputies and members of the LGBTQ community.

He could face charges including making criminal threats, along with hate-crime enhancements.

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ABC7 News contributed to this story.