Hollister man accused of slashing American flags on 9/11

A Hollister man is accused of stabbing and slashing ten American flags on 9/11.

Hollister police said the vandalized flags were displayed along San Benito Street and South Street, commemorating the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Anthony Ray Gonzales, 33, is accused of using a knife to cut the flags and a downtown surveillance camera caught him vandalizing flags in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Building, police said.

Gonzalez was cited and released for vandalism.

Officers said he was also suspected of slashing holidays lights on San Benito Street last November and cutting a phone line to a church. Police said Gonzalez is often found hanging out with transients in town.