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Teen Charged in Theft and Vandalism of Flock Cameras Near Illinois Elementary School

Prosecutors say damaging the devices reduces police capacity to protect the community.

Overview

  • Investigators say Hayden Green, 19, carried out thefts and vandalism that left five Flock automated license plate reader cameras spray‑painted or cut and damaged a pole‑mounted speed radar near Reskin Elementary School.
  • Police say the incidents occurred between midnight and 2 a.m. on Aug. 14 and that two cameras were cut from their poles and taken while other units had wires severed or panels smashed.
  • Officers executed a search warrant on Green’s vehicle and recovered a bent Sawzall blade, infrared night‑vision binoculars, and a notepad that prosecutors say contained violent writings attributed to him.
  • DuPage County prosecutors charged Green with three counts of theft of government property and three counts of criminal damage to government‑supported property, and a judge released him pending trial because the charges are non‑detainable under Illinois law.
  • Officials warn the attacks weaken traffic‑safety and investigative tools used around schools and note similar LPR theft cases have been prosecuted recently, signaling heightened local enforcement and community safety concerns.