One of Facebook 's biggest drawbacks is also one of its biggest advantages: it can spread information in a very short period of time. This feature of the site was put to good use last week when a Tulsa woman posted a reward on Facebook for a criminal who robbed her grandparents.
On Tuesday, October 1, Beki Atkins posted a description of the attacker on Facebook. The post was shared more than 9,000 times, and Atkins soon received a private message from the attacker's sister's husband, who gave her his name. The alleged perpetrator, Michael Lank, was arrested by police shortly after.
"It's amazing how social media has helped this investigation," said Adam Atkins, Beki's brother.
However, despite the immediate results, authorities warned that while this method may have worked in this case, it could also have several unintended consequences.
“Friends or family members of the suspect could see the post and alert them,” said Leon Calhoun, an officer with the Tulsa Police Department. “The suspect could then try to hide, run away, or even destroy all the evidence that incriminates him. We suggest in such cases that you contact the police first.”
Published on Facecrooks.
