Arizona man uses truck to bend flock camera in Apache Junction
Pinal County man says he was arrested after tilting flock camera
As cities across Arizona debate flock cameras— the license plate readers used to stop crime, one Arizona man took matters into his own hands. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns how he bent one of the poles, and got arrested for it.
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - As cities across Arizona reconsider the use of license plate-reader cameras amid privacy concerns, a Pinal County man says he took matters into his own hands, using the bed of his work truck to tilt one of the cameras toward the sky.
What we know:
Ed Kahle says he was heading to lunch when he spotted the camera at the corner of Superstition Boulevard and Goldfield Road in Apache Junction.
"We live out here cause we want quiet," Kahle said. "We don’t want to cause any trouble. Now I am under surveillance?"
Kahle says he pulled up in his work truck and backed into the pole, bending it and moving the camera’s angle toward the sky.
"I kept backing up and saw it bend back, and I saw it looking at the sky," Kahle said. "And said, ‘That’s good enough.’"
The camera has since been removed. Kahle says he did not damage the camera itself but fears he could be facing a felony charge because it is no longer operable.
What He's Saying:
While he says he understands that what he did was illegal, despite his arrest and still not having his work truck back, he says he does not regret his decision.
Big picture view:
His arrest comes as scrutiny of license plate-reader cameras grows across Arizona.
Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple announced this week that he will not renew the county’s contract for the cameras, citing concerns over government overreach and constitutional privacy. The city of Chandler announced on Aug. 7 that it is discontinuing its use of 40 Flock Safety cameras after an audit found an "anomaly."
Dig deeper:
"I was real happy to hear that Pinal County is pulling them out," Kahle said. "It’s good to know that there’s some cities in some places that realize these are a violation."
Kahle says he was cooperative with officers during his arrest and has nothing to hide.
The other side:
He describes himself as a father of three, a small business owner and a taxpayer. He says that while the cameras may have benefits, he fears they could also be used for corruption or harassment.
"I’m being punished, so is my business, and you know it’s worth it," Kahle said.
What's next:
Kahle was arrested that night and is now facing a felony criminal damage charge because of the cost of the camera. He is still waiting for a court date.
What we don't know:
He says he has not heard back yet about when he will get his work truck back.
Map of where Kahle backed into the pole.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Pinal County resident Ed Kahle and Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple.