Two Lafayette Men Arrested After Allegedly Tearing Down

Two Lafayette men have been arrested after police say they intentionally tore down a Flock automated license plate reader camera from the 300 block of East Verot School Road.

According to authorities, 33-year-old Lance Jones and 24-year-old Marvell Harris, both of Lafayette, are each charged with damage to property with intent to defraud.

Investigators say the camera was damaged the previous Thursday evening. Ironically, police say the suspects were identified using footage captured by the very Flock camera they allegedly tore down.

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Flock cameras are AI-enabled automated license plate readers that record the license plates, vehicle descriptions, and locations of passing vehicles, allowing law enforcement to search the database during criminal investigations.

The technology has also become the subject of ongoing debate. Supporters say Flock cameras have helped investigators identify suspects, locate stolen vehicles, and solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy, the long-term collection of vehicle location data, and the potential for widespread government surveillance of people who are not suspected of committing any crime.

Harris was arrested Tuesday afternoon and later released after posting a $2,500 bond. Jones was arrested Wednesday and remains in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on a $10,000 bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Also reported by: KLFY.