Two men were arrested in southern Utah after police said they used a power saw and a sledgehammer to cut down an automated Flock camera in Kanarraville, according to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest Details in Kanarraville
According to arrest documents from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on Sunday to 410 S. Main Street in Kanarraville after receiving reports of vandalism. A witness told authorities they heard a Sawzall operating and saw two individuals smash the camera before fleeing in a vehicle.
Shortly afterward, an officer stopped a Volkswagen Jetta for speeding on Old Highway 91. Law enforcement officials discovered a sledgehammer and a Sawzall blade in the rear of the vehicle. The occupants, identified in police records as an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, were transported to the Cedar City Police Department for questioning.
After receiving their Miranda rights, both men admitted to purposely cutting, knocking down, and damaging the camera system, according to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office. One suspect told investigators that he got the idea after watching “de-flock America” videos on social media. Both men were booked into custody and now face charges of criminal mischief and obstruction of justice.
Growing Backlash Against Automated License Plate Readers
The automated license plate reader cameras have faced significant public resistance in Utah and across the United States. Incidents have surfaced nationwide involving the misuse of automated readers for tracking individuals outside of legitimate criminal investigations, including stalking and gathering personal information on former romantic partners.
