By Eve Nowell 
A 24-year-old Clarkston man is facing felony charges after authorities say he vandalized multiple police license plate reader cameras in Waterford Township, Michigan. Investigators reported that several of the devices were smashed and torn from their mounts in late February. Despite the damage, one of the cameras allegedly captured an image of the vehicle connected to the suspect, helping police track him down.
Waterford Township police said the damage was discovered on February 23 when officers learned several license plate readers across the area had suddenly gone offline. Those cameras are designed to capture images of passing vehicle license plates as part of routine policing and investigative work. When officers went out to inspect the malfunctioning devices, they found multiple units had been physically damaged.
Authorities reported that the cameras had been broken off their mounting points and smashed. The damage rendered the devices inoperable and required police to remove them for inspection. Officers began reviewing surveillance footage and other available data to determine how the cameras had been destroyed and who was responsible.
During the investigation, police determined that at least one of the license plate reader systems had managed to capture an image of a vehicle believed to be connected to the vandalism. Investigators also reviewed security camera footage from a nearby business that overlooked the area where the devices were located. According to police, that video allegedly showed a person using an object to smash the readers.
Investigators later identified the individual in the video as Spencer Anderson, a 24-year-old resident of Clarkston. Authorities said the combination of the captured license plate image and the business surveillance footage helped them identify the suspect and connect him to the damage.
Police arrested Anderson and charged him with three felony counts of malicious destruction of police property. Each charge is tied to the destruction of the license plate reader devices that investigators say were damaged during the incident. Authorities also reported that the department plans to pursue restitution to recover the costs associated with replacing or repairing the equipment.
License plate readers are typically mounted on poles or traffic infrastructure and positioned to capture images of license plates on vehicles traveling through an area. The devices do not stop vehicles or interact with drivers but instead record plate numbers that can later be used in investigations involving stolen vehicles, missing persons cases, or criminal suspects. When one or more readers suddenly go offline, departments often investigate to determine whether the failure was mechanical or the result of outside interference.
In this case, officers quickly determined the problem was not technical but physical damage to the devices themselves. The smashed units were discovered during a field check after officers were alerted to the outage. Police said the damage was significant enough to require removal of the readers from their locations.
Authorities reported that the investigation moved quickly once officers located the footage showing the suspect allegedly striking the devices. The video from the nearby business gave investigators a clearer look at the individual involved and the method used to damage the equipment. Combined with the license plate reader image showing the suspect vehicle, the evidence helped officers identify Anderson as the suspect.
Police said the case highlights how surveillance tools and other investigative methods can still produce evidence even when equipment is damaged during a crime. One of the readers that was targeted still captured an image that ultimately assisted investigators in identifying the vehicle linked to the suspect.
After the investigation progressed, Anderson was taken into custody and formally charged. The three felony counts he faces reflect the alleged destruction of police department equipment used in law enforcement operations. The charges also carry potential financial consequences if a court orders restitution for the damaged property.
Authorities indicated that replacing damaged law enforcement technology can involve significant costs depending on the equipment and installation required. Police departments often seek restitution in cases where suspects are convicted of intentionally damaging department property.
According to officials, Anderson is currently out of custody after posting a $500 cash bond. His release allows him to remain out of jail while the case moves through the court process. Police said the charges remain active as prosecutors prepare the next steps in the case.
The suspect is scheduled to return to court on March 11 for a probable cause conference. During that hearing, the court will review the evidence gathered by investigators and determine how the case will proceed. Authorities reported that the investigation has been completed and the charges have been formally filed.
For now, Anderson remains charged with the three felony counts tied to the damaged license plate readers. The case remains open in the court system as the suspect awaits his next scheduled appearance.
Source
Shawn Henry