The Ohio Department of Transportation feels that 24 flags -- 20 of which are American flags and four of which are military service flags -- are a safety concern along Interstate 75 through Troy. 

The flags were attached to a chain-link fence last weekend by Troy resident Christian Cross to commemorate the observance of 9/11.

According to Troy police, Randy Chevalley, ODOT District 7 deputy director, called Miami County 911 on Monday to ask police to contact the person responsible for attaching the flags and request that they be removed, calling it "a safety concern to have that many flags up."

Police refused to order Cross to remove the flags because it was not a "criminal act," Capt. Joe Long explained.

For the past 10 years, Cross, an Army veteran, has been hanging flags along the McKaig Road overpass during the observances of Memorial Day, Independence Day, 9/11 Patriots Day, and Veterans Day. 

ODOT issued a statement, released by Mandi Abner, public information officer for the District 7 office:  "We are still reviewing this matter.  ODOT takes great pride in the State of Ohio and the United States of America, however, our first priority is the safety of the traveling public.  Our department requires notification prior to anything being displayed in our right-of-way.  We must make sure displays do not distract or hinder the view of drivers.  We also want to make sure American Flags are displayed properly so as to ensure their care and upkeep. "

Cross said he is planning to take down the flags, but "not for another week."