Yet another grown human being has been thrown into a fit over a piece of rainbow fabric. Annapolis police recently charged a Naval Academy graduate after he allegedly tore down a pride flag outside a local tattoo shop and discarded it in a trash can.
The incident was reported on November 15 by Charles Garrett, co-owner of Dapper Dog Tattoo Shop on Maryland Avenue. According to a police report, Garrett discovered the rainbow pride flag removed from its pole and thrown away when he arrived at the shop around 10:30 a.m. This incident marked the third time this innocuous bit of cloth has driven someone to tear it down, prompting Garrett to install security cameras outside the business.
The most recent footage captured a man removing the flag around 1 a.m. The man has been identified as Benjamin Michael, a Dallas, Texas resident and Naval Academy graduate who also served in the Marine Corps. Michael was reportedly in Annapolis for a football game the day after he was driven to teach an inanimate object a lesson.
Michael has been charged with a hate crime and destruction of property (bye!!!). Garrett expressed disappointment over the act, emphasizing that the pride flag symbolizes the shop’s commitment to being a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
“The whole point is to spread positivity and show that we’re a safe space for everyone,” Garrett told WJZ. “It’s baffling and disheartening that this kind of behavior still occurs.”
Anyway, enough about the loser who ripped down a Pride flag. Let’s talk about the awesome tattoo shop!
The co-owners of Dapper Dog Tattoo bring more than artistry to their shop—they foster a sense of family and belonging. Charlie is a master artist who makes the world more beautiful one tattoo at a time. Chris, a retired Navy Master Chief, brings years of dedication to every piece he creates.
Together, they have built a space rooted in inclusivity, respect, and exceptional craftsmanship. Dapper Dog Tattoo is celebrated as the friendliest tattoo shop in Annapolis, where everyone is welcome, and every tattoo tells a unique story.
If you are in Annapolis, stop in for a new tattoo!
