Breaking news - Arrest made in Flags of Freedom case

PRINCETON — A Downers Grove man has been arrested for the May 2006 vandalism to the control panels and flag poles at the Flags of Freedom site on North Main Street. Edward John Busch, 47, was arrested and processed Friday through the Bureau County Jail. He is charged with one count of the class 3 felony of criminal damage to government-supported property. If convicted, Busch could receive up to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a $25,000 fine. Busch is also eligible for probation.

Busch’s next court date is set for 9 a.m. April 27 in the Bureau County Courthouse before Circuit Judge Marc Bernabei. Busch is now free from custody after posting bond 10 percent of a $10,000 bond.

Princeton’s Deputy Police Chief, Allan Beaber, made the announcement of Busch’s arrest at a press conference Tuesday morning. When asked if more arrests will be made or if the investigation into Flags of Freedom vandalism continues, Beaber said the only information being released at this time is what was said in his press conference.

Beaber commended his department for its work leading to Busch’s arrest. The police department received the original call on May 24, 2006, concerning the vandalism to the Flags of Freedom site, located at the Route 26 and Interstate 80 intersection. Upon arrival at the site, officers found the control panels to the automatic hoists for each of the four flags had been pried off. A crime scene investigation was conducted and the Princeton Police Department began an extensive investigation, Beaber said. After 10 months, the police department presented its information to the Bureau County State’s Attorney, and Circuit Judge Marc Bernabei then issued a warrant for Busch’s arrest, Beaber said.

“This Flags of Freedom project is near and dear to lots of people. We have a lot of people who love to see those flags flying, and to have the flags broken because of an act of vandalism was hard,” Beaber said.

The Flags of Freedom site was developed by the Flags of Freedom committee, co-chaired by Princeton Police Chief Tom Root and Princeton resident Jack Scott. The four flags were raised in a dedication ceremony in September 2005. The management of the Flags of Freedom site has now been given to the city of Princeton.