Emily Arianna Warren was arrested Thursday night for trespassing and desecrating flags Thursday night. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Tennessee State Park Rangers with the arrest.
Patrol deputies were contacted about a woman burning a flag at the Red Clay State Park. Upon arrival, witnesses told deputies they observed her removing United States and Tennessee flags, put them on the ground, and start stomping on them. When officers made contact, she said this was not the first time she had removed flags at the park, and also admitted she swam in the blue hole located inside the park, that clearly has signage that says “No Trespassing”.
Ms. Warren was charged with desecration of a flag (two counts), vandalism under $500, and criminal trespassing.
Sheriff Eric Watson released the following statement:
"I want to personally thank my deputies for assisting the TN State Park Rangers with the arrest of Emily Warren. The Bradley County Sheriff's Office will always protect the United States and Tennessee flags, and respect the heritage of Red Clay State Park. These flags represent the nation and state, and our military fights to protect them daily. Often times some have died while protecting those flags, and returned back to this country with the United States flag draped over their coffins.
"Please pause and remember sometime today what it takes to keep our flags flying high. Take a moment to tell our men and women in the armed forces and our veterans how much you appreciate their service to our country."