Police: Metro Detroit Woman Tried To Set Tampa Bay Lightning Flag On Fire
TAMPA, Fla. (CBS Detroit/AP) - A Michigan woman is facing an arson charge for allegedly trying to set a Tampa Bay Lightning flag on fire during an NHL playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Tampa Police say 35-year-old Lena Sinishtaj of Sterling Heights, Michigan, held a lit lighter to the large flag in the stands Wednesday night at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
"There were about 200 people under the flag at the time," said Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis. "They're those giant flags that get passed around the crowd during the games. She re-lit that lighter three times in an effort to burn the flag."
Davis said Sinishtaj caused a small burn to the flag, but wasn't successful in setting it ablaze.
"Initially investigators were just trying to trespass her and just wanted her to leave the game, but she would not do so," Davis said. "So that gave the officers no choice but to make the arrest."
Sinishtaj was held without bail Thursday. Hillsborough County jail records did not show whether she had an attorney.
The Lightning defeated the Red Wings 2-0 in Game 7 of the first-round NHL playoff series. They now face the Montreal Canadiens in next series that starts Friday night.
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