Two Fishers men are accused of observing the Fourth of July by burning an American flag, and are under arrest as a result, on a number of charges.
Fishers Police say they have arrested Christopher Graham and George Drake, both 18 years of age and both from Fishers. The suspects were taken into custody at 2 p.m. on Friday near 116th Street and Lantern Road.
Drake
Graham
Authorities received reports early Friday morning that the large flag being used as a backdrop at the Fishers Nickel Plate Amphitheater, literally across the street from police headquarters, had been partially burned overnight. The flag was large – 15 by 25 feet.
Fishers police are also investigating additional minor fires that officers say appear to be intentionally set in the area during the same time frame. At 12:05 a.m. a smoke detector alarmed after a piece of paper was set on fire in an elevator at the Edge Parking Garage. Also, during the early morning hours, multiple small fires were reported in the Sunblest Apartment Complex. All the fires burned themselves out and caused minor damage.
Graham and Drake now face charges of arson, criminal mischief and flag desecration. They are both being held in the Hamilton County Jail.
Anyone with information regarding these fires is asked to contact Fishers Police Detective Tracy Jones at 317-595-3417.