Crime & Safety
'Stranger Danger' Suspect in Custody Thanks to Facebook Tip
"Thank you all for sharing the post, it proves again that social media is a powerful tool for law enforcement," Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh says; the detained man followed two girls out of McDonald's and tried to force his way int
The Lake Orion Police Department harnessed the power of social media to locate and take into custody the suspect in a recent stranger danger case.
The man followed two 17-year-old girls out of the McDonald's on South Broadway on the night of Feb. 18 and tried to force his way into their car before they pulled away, according to a police press release.
The incident was described as a "stranger danger" event in the release.
Find out what's happening in Oakland Township-Lake Orionwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Chief Jerry Narsh posted the information and surveillance photos on Facebook, as did several news outlets, and a deluge of tips poured in, he said.
"The unknown male subject from the stranger danger incident has been identified and is in custody," Narsh wrote on his Facebook page Friday. "Lake Orion Police have concluded their investigation and will be submitting charges soon.
Find out what's happening in Oakland Township-Lake Orionwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"The tip that led to his identity was provided by persons seeing the story on ... Facebook. Thank you all for sharing the post, it proves again that social media is a powerful tool for law enforcement and all sectors of the community," he wrote. "I will send a follow up media release after charges are issued, but felt an early thank you was in order to FB folks for getting the story out !"
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