News (USA)

2nd suspect charged in vandalism at Memphis gay center

Wesley HugginsMemphis Police have arrested the second suspect accused of vandalizing the Gay & Lesbian Community Center and assaulting an officer.

Wesley Huggins, 22, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with vandalism, setting fire to personal property or land, and assault.

Huggins and 23-year old Ross Burton were seen by officers attempting to set fire to the gay pride flag in front of the building Wednesday morning.

When approached by the officers, the two suspects began fighting with them and attempted to disarm them. Both fled the scene, but Burton was caught a short time later and taken into custody.

Meanwhile, it was learned Thursday that Burton is a member of the Memphis-based 164th airlift wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard.

Though there is no known connection, an MGLCC billboard depicting gay local former Marine Tim Smith was destroyed in September. The billboard read, “I’m gay and I protected your freedom.”

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