A Glendale man has been arrested and accused of vandalizing a photo enforcement camera with a pickax.

Authorities say a state Department of Public Safety motorcycle officer witnessed a man wielding a large ax Wednesday night, striking the metal and glass housing that protects a photo enforcement camera off 59th Avenue and Loop 101.

Travis Munroe Townsend, 26, was arrested and charged with criminal damage, interference with a traffic control device and criminal trespass.

DPS officials said the vandalism did not affect the integrity of the camera's operations, but a new protective housing had to be installed, costing several thousand dollars.

The camera was fully operational by 11 a.m. Thursday, officials said.

"Any type of tampering with a photo enforcement site can result in extremely serious, life-changing charges being filed against a person," DPS Director Roger Vanderpool said. "DPS officers will continue to be vigilant at all hours of the day and night and stand ready to respond quickly to reports or first-hand observances of persons tampering with or vandalizing photo enforcement sites in any manner."