Man accused of stomping on Cape Verde flag outside ceremony in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The East Providence Police Department said a Lincoln man was arrested outside the city’s Cape Verde Independence Day ceremony after he allegedly threw a Cape Verde flag on the ground and stomped on it Wednesday.

27-year-old Joey Marsden was charged with vandalism, disorderly conduct, and weapons other than firearms prohibited.

According to police, Marsden arrived outside East Providence City Hall around noon, and walked up to three flags outside the building.

The Cape Verde Independence Day ceremony took place at City Hall.

Police alleged he threw the American flag and Cape Verdean flag on the ground.

In surveillance video shared with ABC6 News, in addition to witness accounts, Marsden allegedly stomped on the Cape Verdean flag.

Marsden left the scene on his moped, and police were able to take him into custody “a short distance away.”

During the arrest, he was allegedly found to be in possession of a six-inch knife and a Nazi flag.

East Providence police and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office are investigating to see if “hate crime enhancements” will be added to the case.

Marsden is set to be arraigned on July 3.