FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Police in Flagler Beach said the man who sprayed hateful graffiti on several businesses in the area last month has been identified, and an arrest warrant has been issued. The only trouble is, he’s now in Ireland.
Police said six businesses were vandalized, and the businesses were owned by Israeli nationals or people of Jewish heritage. The suspect spray painted antisemitic messages on the businesses.
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With the help of surveillance footage, police were able to identify the suspect as Liam Mackin, 70. They said he has a Flagler Beach address, but is a citizen of Ireland.
An arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday, but police said Mackin left for Ireland on Tuesday.
“This suspect fled the country knowing that professional law enforcement officers in Flagler County were within hours of arresting him. Should Mr. Mackin decide to live the rest of his life in Ireland, without returning to the United States, our community will be a safer place and I feel sorry for the people of Ireland,” Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney said in a news release.
Should Mackin return to any U.S. entry point, Doughney said, he would be arrested for criminal mischief, evidencing prejudice while committing offense.
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