Monterey County Man Arrested for Vandalizing License Plate Reader Cameras

A 40‑year‑old resident of Pismo Beach, Marcus Bee, was arrested by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on suspicion of felony vandalism after allegedly destroying multiple automated license‑plate‑reader (ALPR) cameras owned by Flock Safety. Investigators say Bee ripped down three cameras in the rural Lockwood and Bradley communities and damaged two more in Seaside, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

The suspect was identified from footage captured by nearby surveillance cameras, leading to his arrest and booking in the Monterey County jail with bail set at $30,000. Sheriff Tina Nieto emphasized that the cameras are vital investigative tools for locating stolen vehicles, finding missing persons, and solving crimes, and are not used for immigration enforcement. Authorities continue to investigate possible motives behind the vandalism.