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Denver Woman Cleared After Flock Camera Lead Prompted Wrongful Theft Summons

The case has become a flashpoint for scrutiny of license-plate reader surveillance.

Overview

  • Columbine Valley Sgt. Jamie Milliman accused Chrisanna Elser of a $25 Bow Mar porch theft after Flock camera hits showed her green Rivian driving through the town.
  • Milliman said there was doorbell video of the theft but refused to show it at her doorstep and issued a summons, telling her she could see it in court.
  • Elser compiled dashcam footage, vehicle GPS logs, phone location data, and tailor surveillance showing she drove through without stopping and was at an appointment at noon.
  • Chief Bret Cottrell later emailed Elser that the department had voided the summons after reviewing her materials, though the department has not explained the initial accusation or apologized.
  • Local coverage has highlighted the case as residents question Flock’s expanding use, including a Denver town hall where hundreds objected after the city extended its contract.