Social Media IDs Suspect

Cookeville Police exercised the power of social media to identify a suspect Monday.

Late Monday morning, police posted a security camera photo of a suspect wanted in connection to theft and hit and run charges. Major Carl Sells said within a few hours, page followers had identified the man.

“Social media can be our friend or be our foe, but in this particular instance it was definitely our friend and we intend to continue using social media to our best advantage,” Sells said.

A warrant has been issued for the man’s arrest. Sells said the man was confronted by store security as he allegedly attempted to shoplift from a Jackson Plaza store. The man got into a car and hit a parked car while attempting to flee, Sells said.