Gainesville Police Corporal Kevin Holbrook said that many times cases are forced to be suspended due to lack of evidence or leads in the case, but that is changing as investigators have started using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to solicit help from the public.
Holbrook said, "It appears that the community has taken the fight against crime to the next level."
"We have posted three different videos of recent crimes within the last month on the police departments Facebook and Twitter accounts," Holbrook said. "Within a matter of minutes we have had suspects named as tips came in from social media users."
"Social media users have shared and posted the videos on their own accounts causing these videos to go viral."
Holbrook said that in one of the cases, a theft at Burger King, the suspect, Tommie Chastain, was made aware of the video and contacted investigators to turn herself in.
"We encourage the community to continue to assist us in combating crime and prosecuting those responsible. As always you can remain anonymous with your tips," Holbrook added.
The three cases Holbrook mentions as being closed are as follows:
Mercedes Brackett
22 years of age
Gainesville, Georgia
Charges:
Theft by Shoplifting
Stole items from Northside BottleShop
William Mealor
25 years of age
Gainesville, Georgia
Charges:
Theft by Shoplifting
Stole items from Northside Bottle Shop
Yesinia Rabago
26 years of age
Flowery Branch, Georgia
Charges:
Theft by Taking
Stole a phone from Aaron's Renatl on McEver Road
Tommie Chastain
43 years of age
Gainesville, Georgia
Charges:
Theft of Lost/Mislaid Property
Stole a wallet from Burger King on Pearl Nix Parkway
http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/2/271665