The Milford man accused of vandalizing four Flock license plate reader cameras around the city in July made his first appearance in court Tuesday morning for what was scheduled as an arraignment.

However, after showing up without a lawyer, 20-year-old Eyad Rahim was instead appointed a public defender, and his case was continued until Oct. 7.

Rahim faces four counts of criminal mischief and three counts of conspiracy to commit criminal mischief. He is accused of riding around on a scooter and, along with an unnamed juvenile, cutting the wires, spray-painting the lenses and knocking over the cameras, causing between $3,000 and $4,000 worth of damage to each one.

According to the arrest warrant, Rahim admitted to police that it was “my idea” and said he believes the cameras are unconstitutional for privacy reasons.

Multiple comments on social media have supported Rahim, saying they agree with what he did, and several citywide meetings have raised similar concerns, with residents looking to cancel the program.

When asked outside the courthouse by News 12 for his response to some people calling him a hero, Rahim only said, “No answer.”

His appointed public defender also declined to comment on the case.

Meanwhile, Milford is now taking down some of the cameras on its own, announcing that nine have been deactivated and will be removed by Sept. 21.