College Station police have arrested a 19-year-old man on charges of criminal mischief following the vandalism of two neighborhood surveillance cameras. The suspect is accused of disabling the devices and covering them with American flags in late August.
Officers received a report on Aug. 28 after a bystander noticed tampering near the intersection of Wellborn Road and Greens Prairie Road. Upon arrival, investigators found that the wiring for both Flock Safety units had been severed. Handmade signs opposing the camera company were staked into the ground nearby, and U.S. flags were draped over the equipment to obstruct their view.
Detectives traced the materials used in the protest back to a local Lowe’s and an Office Depot on Aug. 27. By reviewing store surveillance footage, purchase records, and traffic camera video from the early morning hours of Aug. 28, investigators identified the suspect and his vehicle.
Video shows a man carrying a ladder to each pole around 2:30 a.m., where he cut the cables and placed the flags.
Flock Safety estimated the cost of repairs at $800, which includes replacement cables and technician fees. The suspect now faces a state jail felony charge for criminal mischief involving damages between $750 and $2,500.
