Barrington Police are thanking the public for helping identify the man who stole an American flag from a County Road resident’s porch.

Police said they received numerous tips from the public after officials shared surveillance footage of the man who was spotted taking the American flag on June 30. 

About a week after the theft, 28-year-old Joseph Sands, a Providence resident, turned himself into Barrington Police. Law enforcement charged him with larceny under $1,500 on Thursday, July 7.

“The public helped us greatly,” said Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia, adding that Sands allegedly returned the flag and apologized to the County Road resident. 

Police said the American flag that was stolen featured a blue stripe in the center of the red and white stripes, signifying support for law enforcement.  

“You should be able to fly a flag off your home without someone coming onto your property and taking it,” Chief Correia said.