WINONA — Minnesota authorities say they’re investigating a rash of flag burnings in Winona County.

Winona Police released an image of a person of interest Thursday at a community meeting in connection to the burnings. They said 17 American flags have been torched in less than three weeks.

Winona Police Chief Paul Bostrack said police are concerned about public safety as well as respecting the flag. He said flags have been burnt while attached to houses with people inside.

Winona is located about 45 miles east of Rochester on the Mississippi River.