BRICK — A township man has been charged with cutting down a police license plate reader outside a Drum Point Road gas station, authorities said.
Matthew Wardell, 31, was arrested Aug. 13 following an investigation by the Brick Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Police said officers were called to the Exxon station at 181 Drum Point Road on July 8 after a Flock Safety camera was deliberately knocked down.
Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used to capture vehicle information. According to police, the technology can generate leads in cases involving stolen vehicles, burglaries, thefts, missing vehicles and crimes that cross municipal boundaries.
The cameras do not issue traffic tickets, initiate vehicle stops or determine whether a crime occurred. Officers must review information from the system and consider it alongside other evidence during an investigation.
Police reminded the public that intentionally damaging law enforcement equipment can result in criminal charges.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is asked to contact the Brick Township Police Department.
The charge is an accusation. Wardell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
