California Today

Faulty License Plate Reader Leads to Wrongful Arrest in San Diego

07 June 2026 15:12

A San Diego man was wrongfully arrested after a Flock license plate reader misidentified his car, leading to a month in jail before charges were dropped. The case highlights flaws in surveillance technology.

- The ALPR system flagged a red Alfa Romeo as a match for a vehicle involved in an attempted carjacking, but the car was miles away. - Police arrested Alex Parra and Ariel Beltran despite evidence they were not at the crime scene.

- Parra spent nearly a month in jail before charges were dropped. - The men are now suing the city for civil rights violations and negligence.

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