🚨 BRICK TOWNSHIP MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING FLOCK CAMERA INVESTIGATION
Brick Township Police arrested 31-year-old Andrew Wardell for criminal mischief after he allegedly cut down an automated license plate reader camera in July. The department stated that these cameras are investigative tools used to track vehicles involved in crimes, not for traffic enforcement.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 31-year-old Brick Township man has been arrested following a lengthy investigation into the intentional destruction of a police Flock Safety camera, according to the Brick Township Police Department.
Police said Andrew Wardell, 31, of Brick Township, was arrested by detectives on August 13, 2026, and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.
The charge stems from an incident on July 8, 2026, when officers responded to the Exxon station at 181 Drum Point Road after a Brick Township Police Department Flock Safety camera was allegedly intentionally cut down.
Investigators conducted a lengthy investigation before identifying Wardell as a suspect and making the arrest.
📷 WHAT ARE FLOCK CAMERAS?
Following the arrest, Brick Township Police also provided information about the department’s Flock camera system and addressed common misconceptions surrounding the technology.
Flock cameras are automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras designed to assist law enforcement with investigations involving vehicles potentially connected to criminal activity.
According to police, the cameras can help investigators:
🔹 Identify vehicles associated with reported crimes 🔹 Assist in locating stolen vehicles 🔹 Investigate burglaries, thefts and other offenses 🔹 Develop investigative leads when vehicles are captured traveling through camera locations 🔹 Identify vehicles involved in crimes across different jurisdictions 🔹 Establish timelines and patterns during investigations 🔹 Quickly locate suspect or missing vehicles
Police emphasized that Flock cameras do not issue tickets, conduct traffic stops or independently determine that someone committed a crime.
Instead, information obtained through the system is used as an investigative lead and evaluated by police officers alongside other evidence.
🚔 The Brick Township Police Department said it remains committed to using technology responsibly to prevent crime, assist investigations and enhance community safety.
Authorities also reminded residents that intentionally damaging or destroying police equipment is a criminal offense.
⚖️ IMPORTANT: The charge against Wardell is an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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