University student Isaac Eslava is wanted for burning an American flag and theft of a University flag at the War Memorial early Monday morning.
The LSU Police Department obtained an arrest warrant Wednesday morning for Eslava, who is wanted for two felony counts of simple criminal damage to property in addition to arson, theft, resisting an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a University news release.
Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSUPD spokesman, said the damage to property charges include burning the American flag and cutting the rope holding it up.
LSUPD responded to a call from a University employee and located Eslava, who escaped capture, according to the release.
A stolen vehicle supposedly used by Eslava was discovered, and the missing University flag was found inside in addition to drug paraphernalia, spray paint and Eslava’s alleged clothing, the release stated. Tabor said no charge was filed regarding the stolen vehicle.
Eslava was later identified by LSUPD, and a knife allegedly used in the crime was discovered with the rope fibers intact, police say. Detectives connected Eslava to graffiti vandalism also committed Monday at the Venue Apartments on West State Street, according to the release.
Eslava, a psychology student, has allegedly fled to Atlanta, but his current location is unknown. The arrest warrant says Eslava is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia.
Police estimate repair costs to the War Memorial at more than $7,500 and Venue Apartment graffiti repairs to total about $400.
The Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab assisted in the investigation, the release said.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille [email protected]