“WE ARE TAKING DOWN THIS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AUTHORITIES SAY THREE 19-YEAR-OLDS CUT DOWN A FLOCK SAFETY CAMERA AND BEAT IT WITH A HAMMER UNTIL THE BATTERY EXPLODED… AND ALL THREE NOW FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES.
Three 19-year-olds have been arrested in South Carolina after authorities say they took their opposition to automated license plate readers too far.
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office identified the three suspects as Blaze Fuller, Samuel Carlisle and James Ryerson.
Investigators allege the trio targeted a Flock Safety camera located along Harmony Church Road in the Edgemoor area.
The incident occurred during the early morning hours of Aug. 15, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities allege that the teens cut down the camera pole.
Then, according to investigators, they repeatedly struck the equipment with a hammer.
The battery pack eventually exploded and caught fire, according to authorities.
Officials estimate the resulting damage to the camera at more than $5,000.
All three were charged with criminal conspiracy and destruction of property.
All three teens have since posted bail.
The arrests come as opposition to Flock cameras continues to grow in parts of South Carolina.
In neighboring York County, a petition has reportedly gathered more than 2,000 signatures.
That petition is seeking the removal of more than 40 cameras.
Critics have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Opponents have also cited concerns regarding private companies having access to license-plate data.
Yet even outspoken opponents of the cameras have condemned vandalizing or destroying them.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
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