Muncie Men Arrested for Destroying Flock Camera

Two young men from Muncie have been arrested in connection with the destruction of a Flock camera located near the Ball State University campus. Nicholas Jordan Minor, 21, and Dayton E. Lehman, 19, were taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice and criminal mischief.

Ball State University police reported the incident on August 4th, discovering the Flock camera, which aids law enforcement in tracking vehicle movements via license plates, damaged with a shattered solar panel and severed power cables. Surveillance footage from the area showed a white Chevrolet Silverado driving near the campus around 1 a.m. The vehicle was later identified as belonging to Nicholas Jordan Minor.

Investigators reportedly observed surveillance video showing Minor using a reciprocating saw to cut down the camera's mounting pole. A search warrant executed at Minor's residence led to the recovery of the saw. During interviews, Minor expressed regret for his actions, stating it was a poor decision. Lehman indicated he disagrees with how Flock cameras operate, calling the act "very dumb."

Authorities also discovered a significant amount of marijuana, 291.5 grams, and paraphernalia in plain view at Minor's home, leading to additional charges for Minor related to drug possession. Both Minor and Lehman were released from the Delaware County Jail after posting bonds of $9,000 and $7,500, respectively. The Delaware County prosecutor's office will decide on formal charges. Flock cameras remain a point of discussion, with Muncie police officials defending their utility in solving crimes and locating missing persons, while other areas, like Monroe County, have canceled contracts citing concerns over "mass surveillance."