Dallas began removing decorative crosswalks on March 23 after statewide directive to “prioritize uniformity and predictability in traffic control devices statewide.”
DALLAS — A man was arrested early Tuesday after police said he was seen spray-painting a crosswalk along Cedar Springs Road just as the city began removing its decorative crosswalks on Monday.
According to the Dallas Police Department, officers observed 25-year-old Joseph Whiteside on the 4100 block of Cedar Springs Road at 3:10 a.m. spray-painting a crosswalk on a block where a rainbow-themed crosswalk had been previously — until removed Monday by the city following the statewide mandate.
Police said Whiteside was taken into custody on outstanding warrants unrelated to his spray-painting following a preliminary investigation. He was then transported to the City Detention Center, according to police. Authorities did not specify whether additional charges related to the painting incident are pending.
Whiteside’s arrest comes just one day after the City of Dallas began removing decorative rainbow crosswalks citywide including the Cedar Springs corridor, an area widely recognized as the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
The removal process started March 23, after a directive by Governor Abbot issued on Oct. 8 that was meant to “prioritize uniformity and predictability in traffic control devices statewide.”
Advocates say Oak Lawn’s rainbow crosswalks have served as a symbol of inclusion in the neighborhood for years. Their removal marks a significant change to the area’s streetscape.
It is not abundantly clear whether Whiteside’s actions were directly connected to the city’s decision to remove the crosswalks.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.