Florida Man’s Bad Week Results In Him Sawing Down Three Flock Camera

This story first came to light on August 4, 2026 when a Volusia County deputy noticed a damaged Flock camera in New Smyrna Beach. Upon investigation, it was determined that the camera’s pole was cut close to the bottom, making it tip over and land on the ground, per Fox 35 Orlando. 

Upon a closer look, detectives realized that the Port Orange Police Department was investigating similar incidents. After a week of detective work, an eighteen-year-old man named Jaden Brooks was arrested.

Charged with three counts of felony criminal mischief to correspond with the three sawed-down poles attributed to him, the accused culprit then shared his perspective. He told investigators that he cut down the poles because he didn’t agree with the camera usage, investigators claim, Plus, he told them, he was having a rough week.

After being taken to Volusia County jail on August 11, he bonded out the same day. The amount paid: $7,500.

Behind the Scenes

The first sawed down camera pole was noticed on Pioneer Trail near Airport Road. The next two, per News 6, exist near Airport Road and Charles Street as well as Forest Preserve Boulevard and Taylor Road.

The camera near Forest Preserve Boulevard and Taylor Road recorded a 2018 black Chevy Suburban shortly after 4 a.m. on August 4. Traced back to a Port Orange dwelling, the owner of the vehicle informed detectives that his stepson (Jaden) normally drove that vehicle. 

Putting the Pieces Together

Later, a friend of the accused shared information with the police, including that he witnessed the crime. He saw the accused get a tool from his vehicle to cut down the pole.

After using a reciprocating saw to cut down the pole in question, the accused was done for the evening. The two teens then returned to the friend’s home to hang out.

Value of the Damaged Cameras

CelticsWire reported that the damage done to one of the cameras came in at $2,050. In a Daytona Beach News-Journal Facebook post about the event, however, many commenters applauded his actions. 

One suggested an alternative explanation, writing, “Nooooo! I saw a bunch of crows pecking at it!” Another commenter wrote that, “Not all hero’s wear capes. Can I buy this dude a case of beer?”