Putnam Police are actively searching for an unidentified driver who intentionally struck and knocked down a Flock automated license plate reader camera on Route 171 in Putnam, Connecticut. The incident occurred in the afternoon of August 23, 2026. Initially, law enforcement treated the crash as an accident; however, subsequent evidence led Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace to reclassify the event as an intentional criminal act. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the collision and has not been apprehended as of the latest report. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the vehicle or driver to come forward. This incident follows a similar attack on a Flock camera elsewhere in Connecticut less than two months prior, highlighting a growing pattern of targeting the surveillance technology. Flock cameras, which continuously capture images of license plates regardless of infractions, have become a focal point of debate regarding privacy and data sharing. In July, the towns of Windsor and Killingworth became the first in the state to cease using Flock cameras due to public controversy. In response to these concerns, Governor Ned Lamont has asked the state's police training and standards council to review the use of safety cameras and license plate readers. The Governor has also urged municipalities to pause the installation of new cameras until the council develops new guidance. Despite the pushback and legislative scrutiny, police officials, including Chief Ferace, continue to defend the technology as essential for solving crimes. The Putnam Police Department is currently investigating the August 23 incident as a criminal matter and is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for damaging the equipment.