KANARRAVILE, Utah — Two men were arrested early Monday after they allegedly cut down an automated Flock camera in Kanarraville in southern Utah over the weekend.
According to arrest documents, the men, ages 18 and 19, admitted to the destruction of the camera, with one saying he had gotten the idea by watching "de-flock America" videos on social media.
The controversial license plate reader cameras have faced enormous backlash within Utah and the country as issues have surfaced regarding law enforcement agencies using the devices for reasons outside their alleged purpose, including stalking and gathering information on ex-romantic partners.
On Sunday, Iron County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to 410 S. Main Street in Kanarraville, where they found the camera cut off at its base and lying in the dirt. They noted that the camera appeared to have been struck multiple times and cut with a saw.
A witness told deputies that they heard a Sawzall and saw the men smash the camera before running away and into a vehicle.
At a different location, another officer stopped a Volkswagen Jetta for speeding on Old Highway 91. When the officer approached the car, he noticed a sledgehammer and Sawzall blade in the rear of the vehicle.
The two men in the Jetta admitted to damaging the camera system and were transported to the Cedar City Police Department to be interviewed.
After being read their Miranda rights, both men admitted to "purposely cutting, knocking down and damaging" the Flock camera, the police documents stated.
Both men were arrested and face charges of criminal mischief and obstruction of justice.
