A massive American flag that had become a familiar sight along Interstate 80 was taken down overnight from a Camping World location in Roseville, California. By the following day, police confirmed the flag had been located and returned, though no arrests have been made.
The flag measured 80 feet by 40 feet, covering roughly 3,200 square feet. Camping World estimated its value at close to $7,000. The display was mounted high enough to be visible from the freeway and had drawn regular attention from passing drivers.
According to Camping World management, the theft occurred Tuesday night. Surveillance footage showed two individuals climbing a seven-foot fence, cutting the cable that secured the flag, and pulling it down. The damage to the wiring and mounting system was estimated at about $4,800.
Employees noticed the flag was missing early Wednesday morning. Several people who regularly pass the location along Interstate 80 contacted staff to ask why it had been removed. At that point, Camping World confirmed it had not been taken down intentionally.
Roseville Police Department officials said the flag was recovered on Wednesday in Citrus Heights. Officers located the suspect vehicle and retrieved the flag, which was then returned to Camping World. Police have identified a person of interest but said the investigation remains active and no arrests have been announced.
Camping World staff stated that it took multiple people to handle the flag during installation due to its size and weight. Security footage reportedly shows the flag being dragged along the ground and loaded into the bed of a pickup truck before the suspects left the property.
The incident comes as Camping World continues to draw attention for flying oversized American flags at its locations nationwide. In recent years, the company has faced disputes with several local governments over flag size ordinances, including lawsuits and fines. One such lawsuit in North Carolina was recently dropped.
Camping World officials said they plan to reinstall the Roseville flag in the coming weeks. The company also indicated it intends to involve the local community when the flag is raised again, citing the reaction from drivers and residents who had grown accustomed to seeing it along the freeway.
Police have asked anyone with additional information related to the theft to contact the Roseville Police Department as the investigation continues.
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