Documented Incident
Man charged with attempted aggravated murder after Flock camera vandalism, pursuit in Luray, Va.
Event: August 16, 2026 · First reported: August 17, 2026 · 2 sources
Page County, Virginia authorities say a series of calls beginning around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday reported Flock automated license plate reader cameras burned or destroyed in and around Luray. Interim Luray Police Chief Lonnie Foster said officers were posted to watch remaining cameras, and a deputy who spotted a suspect damaging one near Dry Run Road initiated a pursuit during which, police say, the driver fired a rifle at the deputy's vehicle. Alexander Michael Morgan, 31, of Lodi, New York, called 911 around 11 p.m. saying he wished to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody on Batman Hill Road. No one was reported injured; the charges are allegations that have not been tested in court.
Physical attacks on ALPR hardware have drawn escalating criminal exposure, and this case shows how a property-damage response can turn into a violent felony prosecution. It also raises questions for local officials about how camera networks are protected, staffed, and funded when equipment is destroyed.
Key facts
- First report came in around 10:15 p.m. Sunday for a Flock camera on fire near the Page County Co-op
- Luray police say three city cameras were destroyed beyond repair, plus at least one county camera
- Alexander Michael Morgan, 31, of Lodi, New York, is charged with attempted aggravated murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and damage or trespass to public services or critical infrastructure; he is held without bond
- Police say multiple rounds struck the deputy's vehicle; no injuries were reported
- Chief Foster said the city plans to replace the cameras, hopefully with insurance coverage
Timeline
- August 17, 2026Luray Flock camera vandalism leads to shootout with deputy
- August 17, 2026New York man charged with attempted murder after shooting at Page County deputy, vandalizing Flock cameras
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- Luray Flock camera vandalism leads to shootout with deputy (WHSV, August 17, 2026)
- New York man charged with attempted murder after shooting at Page County deputy, vandalizing Flock cameras (WHSV, August 17, 2026)
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About this record
BlockFlockNow documents reported incidents involving Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers: council votes, contract decisions, misuse by authorized users, lawsuits, audits, and community response. Every record is reviewed by a person before publication. New to the topic? Start with What is Flock?, find meetings near you, or learn how to request your town's camera records.
Updated August 24, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.