BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — WARNING: VIDEO ABOVE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED
Crystal Aguilar, 25, is scheduled for a hearing on Dec. 4 to consider mental health diversion after being accused of vandalizing a U.S. flag at Hart Park. If she successfully completes the diversion program, her case could be dismissed.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Aguilar faces charges of resisting arrest, vandalism, and battery on a peace officer.
RELATED: Woman arrested for replacing American flag with Mexican flag at Hart Park: KCSO
On February 6, 2025, she allegedly removed the U.S. flag and attempted to raise a Mexican flag in its place. During her arrest, Aguilar reportedly threatened to kill park rangers and their families. Kern County deputies said park rangers responded to Hart Park at around 9:36 a.m. after receiving reports of a person trying to steal the American flag.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Body-worn camera footage shared by the sheriff’s department shows a vehicle stuck in the muddy grass next to the flagpole when rangers arrived.
Aguilar allegedly cut the chain holding the flagpole, removed the American flag, and raised the Mexican flag. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said the flag was “thrown into the mud,” though video footage shows it tied to a post.
Aguilar allegedly resisted arrest and made multiple verbal threats to the park rangers. She was arrested and booked on charges including threatening a peace officer, vandalism, resisting arrest, trespassing in a vehicle, and possession of marijuana in a park.
During her arrest, Aguilar allegedly told deputies and park rangers, “And you’re going to pay. My dad is going to kill you and all your family. You think it’s a joke until it’s not.”
After leaving work early, Crystal Aguilar stands outside the Bakersfield Police Department waving Mexico’s flag (KBAK/FOX58){ }
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Aguilar was previously interviewed by Eyewitness News in January 2025 while advocating for immigrant rights in front of Bakersfield City Hall.