WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Michigan – Spencer Anderson, 24, of Clarkston, has been charged with three felony counts of malicious destruction of police property after allegedly damaging several Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, according to the Waterford Police Department.
Authorities said the department discovered the damage on Feb. 23, when investigators found multiple cameras in the township had been forcibly broken and smashed. The equipment, which helps police identify vehicles involved in crimes, reportedly sustained about $10,000 in damage.
Police said one of the cameras captured an image of the suspect vehicle and its license plate before it was destroyed. Investigators also reviewed video from a nearby business that allegedly shows a suspect exiting the vehicle and tearing two cameras from their mounts.
Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said that while people may have different opinions about the use of technology in policing, destroying public property is not acceptable.
“Individuals are entitled to their own views regarding technological advancements in policing,” Underwood said in a statement. “However, no one has the right to maliciously destroy property belonging to others, including the Waterford Police Department.”
Police said the license plate reader cameras only capture images of vehicles and their license plates to help assist in criminal investigations.
Anderson was arrested on Feb. 26 and later arraigned. He was released after posting a $500 cash bond and is scheduled to return to court on March 11. Authorities also said the department plans to seek restitution for the damaged equipment.