A Brick Township man has been charged after police say he deliberately damaged a license plate reader outside a local gas station.

Matthew Wardell, 31, was arrested on August 13 following an investigation by the Brick Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Police said officers were called to the Exxon station at 181 Drum Point Road on July 8 after a Flock Safety camera had been intentionally knocked down.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to help develop leads in investigations involving stolen vehicles, burglaries, thefts, missing vehicles and crimes spanning multiple jurisdictions. Police noted that the cameras do not issue traffic tickets or independently determine whether a crime has occurred.

Authorities reminded the public that intentionally damaging law enforcement equipment can result in criminal charges.

Wardell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.