Late-night troublemakers have turned lawn signs into a flashpoint at Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton. Surveillance cameras recorded a person tearing down pro-LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter banners from the church lawn along Piney Orchard Parkway. Anne Arundel County police say the destruction is part of two incidents reported between June 10 and June 18 that are being investigated as possible hate-bias crimes. Congregants have already replaced the damaged signs, but church leaders say the repeated attacks chip away at their sense of safety in a way that goes far beyond the cost of the banners.
Police release image, ask for tips
Anne Arundel County police say they pulled a clear still image of the suspect from the church's security footage and are asking the public for help identifying the person. Anyone who recognizes the individual is asked to contact the Western District Detective Unit at 410-222-8760, as reported by WMAR-2 News. Cpl. Marc Limansky told the station that people want to feel safe when they are in a place of worship, describing the emotional toll the vandalism has taken on the congregation. Police say the incidents happened over about a week in mid-June and are treating them as potential hate-bias crimes while the investigation continues.
What happened and when
According to CBS Baltimore, one of the attacks occurred around 10:30 p.m. on June 17. Police say an individual walked onto the church property and ripped down a "Black Lives Matter" banner along with a sign that read "Dismantle Racism." The department has shared a photo of the person on social media, and investigators are combing through additional surveillance footage as they search for leads.
History of similar incidents
The Ark & Dove campus has been a repeat target in recent years. In 2023, a Severn man pleaded guilty to a hate crime charge for stealing and damaging Black Lives Matter signs and Pride flags at the church, according to a press release from the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. That earlier case showed local authorities are willing to pursue bias-motivated offenses, and it helps explain why current investigators are approaching the latest vandalism as potentially bias-driven.
Church reaction
Christian Education Elder Amy Tardiff told WMAR-2 News that the banners are not just yard decor, they are a statement of faith. The church's website likewise describes a commitment to inclusion and social-justice work, according to Ark & Dove.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the Western District Detective Unit at 410-222-8760 or email [email protected], per WMAR-2 News. Police are also urging residents to review home security and doorbell camera footage for anything that might help identify the suspect.
County resources and context
Anne Arundel County operates an Office of Equity and Human Rights and a hate-bias prevention program that tracks incidents and offers support to victims, county documents show. The OEHR strategic plan outlines outreach efforts and victim services related to bias incidents, underscoring ongoing county work to respond when community spaces come under attack, according to Anne Arundel County.
