Police have made an arrest in connection with a series of incidents in which American flags were burned on the properties in a suburban section of Franklin Square.

The suspect arrested in the series of flag burnings is one of Franklin Square's own. Resident Lawrence Wan, 20, of 265 Rintin Street was arrested near his residence by police on Sunday, June 23 at 1:30 a.m.

Wan is being accused of setting fire to 19 flags, between May 13 and June 17. According to the Nassau Police Department's Crime Analyst Report, residents reported flags being burned on Rintin Street, where Wan lived, and nearby Grange Street, Fenworth Boulevard, Commonwealth Street and Claflin Boulevard.

The investigation that led police to the arrest was conducted by the Nassau Police Fifth Squad and Arson/Bomb Squad in connection with the Nassau County Fire Marshal.

Police say there was no motive behind Wan's alleged action nor was the suspect trying to make a political statement. "By his own admission, he liked to watch things burn," said Fifth Squad Detective Sergeant Robert Galgano.

Since the tragedy of Sept. 11 that claimed the lives of many Long Island residents including those from Franklin Square, flags were proudly displayed as a symbol of the nation's unity. It didn't appear to police that Wan had disdain for the American flag. "That was one of our first questions, but he has no political motivation, no disdain, no contempt for the American flag. I'm just surmising that he picked the flags because they are so accessible nowadays," said Galgano.

One resident of Grange Street said a flag of hers was partially burned. However, it was not an American flag, but a flag of Winnie the Pooh.

According to police, Wan would allegedly burn flags between midnight and 7 a.m., using a cigarette lighter. "By his own admission, he basically stood back and enjoyed watching them burn," said Galgano.

Police believe that Wan acted alone and all 19 cases involving flag burning have been closed. He was charged with two counts of fourth degree arson, three of fifth degree arson and a count of fourth degree possession of a weapon for a knife he was found with at the time of arrest.

One resident of Claflin Boulevard who had her flag partially burned said she was angry when it happened since she put out the flag following Sept. 11. However, after the police made the arrest, she said, "I feel sorry for the boy. He must be troubled."