BROOKLAND, Ark. — Police in Brookland are investigating the destruction of four Flock surveillance cameras that were vandalized over the weekend, with some appearing to have been shot.
Brookland Police Chief Jon Moore confirmed Tuesday that the city operates 14 Flock safety cameras, four of which were found damaged and rendered inoperable. The investigation began on September 5, after officers were alerted that several units were offline.
Officer Kade Carder visited four locations and observed damage to the cameras. According to the initial report, one camera was found lying in a ditch, another had its wires severed, a third had been knocked down, and a fourth was missing altogether.
Chief Moore conducted a follow-up investigation on September 7 and identified evidence consistent with the cameras being targeted by gunfire.
At the Hayes Street location, the entire camera and the upper section of its supporting pole were removed. The equipment was later recovered at Matthews and County Road 937, where police noted signs of damage caused by gunshots.
On School Street near County Road 937, police found a camera still standing but significantly damaged by gunfire. At County Road 928 and County Road 937, officers reported that the pole survived intact, but the camera and its solar panel were "obliterated" by gunfire.
The fourth camera, located on Eason Street, was discovered knocked down along with the top portion of its pole. Damage to this unit also suggested it had been hit by gunfire.
All recovered cameras were secured at the former Brookland Police Department building as evidence. Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing but have not identified any suspects at this time.