TITUSVILLE, Fla. — The Disabled American Veterans Titusville Chapter 109 was flying a new American flag Wednesday after the group's original flag was reported stolen on April 4.

What You Need To Know

  • The Disabled American Veterans Titusville Chapter 109 reported the American flag flying in front of their property had been stolen on April 4

  • Jonathan Wayne Smyth, 42, of Mims, is accused of stealing the flag and damaging an outdoor grill on the property

  • The Titusville community has offered the group a new flag and grill

Police have charged Jonathan Wayne Smyth, 42, of Mims, with cutting the rope to the flagpole in front of the building and riding off with it on a bicycle after reviewing video of the incident. 

Police say they identified Smyth and arrested him the next day.

He was charged with felony burglary, and misdemeanor criminal mischief and petit theft. He was being held at the Brevard County Jail in lieu of bonds totaling $8,000.

After word spread about the stolen flag and damaged grill, the community donated a brand-new grill and two others for the nonprofit to use.

On Wednesday, Titusville Public Works used a bucket truck to restring the flagpole rope so a new flag could be flown.

Chapter Cmdr. John Dunn said patriotism won out in the situation.

“Getting our flag back up was a great moment," Dunn said. "All of us served. I served 20 years in the military under that flag — it means a lot to me. It means a lot to everybody here."