Lufkin Police Officer Arrested Amid Investigation Into Flock License Plate Reader Use

LUFKIN, Texas (TXAN 24) — A Lufkin Police Department officer has been arrested on two felony charges following an investigation into the potential misuse of Flock Automated License Plate Reader technology.

Zach Klein, a 11-year veteran of the department, was arrested by Texas Rangers and booked into the Angelina County Jail Thursday morning. He faces charges of abuse of official capacity and tampering with a government record, both state jail felonies. No bond has been set.

A second Lufkin police officer has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation into that officer’s use of the technology.

The department said it recently became aware of potential issues involving the Flock system and immediately began an audit of its use.

While Lufkin Internal Affairs officers conducted an internal investigation, Police Chief Travis Brazil requested assistance from the Texas Rangers to conduct an independent investigation.

“While the investigations are ongoing, we have suspended the use of Flock cameras within the department,” Brazil said.

The department said transparency with the community remains a top priority as the investigation continues.

No additional information has been released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.