Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly is reminding people to remain respectful after a woman was arrested this weekend when a deputy spotted her destroying Trump political signs in Palm Coast, according to a press release and body camera video.
Staly said in the press release that the Sheriff’s Office has had “sporadic reports of vandalism and theft of political signs by all parties.”
“Emotions are high this election season, but it is almost over,” Staly said in the press release. “Overall, the community has done a good job being respectful of the beliefs and opinions of others. Please continue to do so.”
Tonya McRae
(Flagler County jail/TNS)
Tonya McRae, 42, who described herself as an anarchist and was listed as a transient in the police report, was charged with criminal mischief and providing a false name to law enforcement, both misdemeanors. McRae was booked into the Flagler County jail where she was being held on a $500 bail.
McRae was arrested about 4 p.m. on Saturday when a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy spotted her on the southwest corner of Colbert Lane and Palm Coast Parkway destroying political signs, a report said.
The deputy stopped and asked her what she was doing and McRae responded she was “tired of the lies,” the report said.
A small “Women for Trump” sign was laying on the ground and a small “Trump Pence” sign was crumpled and torn, the report said.
A larger “Trump Pence” sign had a crease where McRae had been striking the sign, the report said.
The political signs were on private property and a no trespassing sign was also posted.
McRae described herself as a revolutionary and said she had never been in trouble before, according to the body camera video. She tells the deputy that she “acted out of impulse.”
“I kind of snapped,” McRae said on the video.
The damage to the signs was estimated at less than $200, the report said.
Staly said destroying or stealing a campaign sign is the same as destroying or stealing someone else’s property.
Staly said in the release: “The best way to show your opinion is by voting tomorrow, not destroying property.”
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