Friday, July 10, 2009
Neighbors burned at torched U.S. flags
Authorities investigate destruction of four flags as vandalism and arson.
By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ and LINDSEY BAGUIO
The Orange County Register
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LAGUNA NIGUEL – McKenzie Kraut heard a bit of rustling outside her home Thursday night, but nothing that hinted at the ashes her family found this morning at their door.

When her father walked out to his car, the U.S. flag the family had hung in their front yard was torched, along with three other flags in the cul-de-sac.

Deputies found three of the U.S. flags that were completely scorched and a fourth that was partially consumed by flames after they were called to the scene at 7 a.m., said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. A fifth decorative flag was also burned.

“I’ve always felt so safe in this neighborhood and now this,â€