In Bakersfield, California, a 24-year-old woman named Crystal Aguilar was taken into custody on Thursday following an incident at Hart Memorial Park. Kern County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of an attempted flag theft at the park's entrance. Upon arrival, park rangers discovered a vehicle parked on the grass near the flagpole.
Aguilar is accused of severing the chain securing the flagpole, removing the American flag, and discarding it on the ground. She then hoisted a Mexican flag in its place, asserting that the location was "Mexican land." Body camera footage from the arresting officers captured Aguilar's resistant behavior and threats towards the deputies and their families.
She was heard making statements such as, "This is Mexican land" and threatening the lives of the officers and their children. Aguilar also claimed her father would retaliate against them. Following the confrontation, Aguilar was apprehended and booked into the Lerdo jail. Charges against her include trespassing, making threats against a peace officer, resisting arrest, and vandalism. Her bail has been set at $20,689, and her court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
