Police Use Twitter To Catch Wanted Suspects – And It Works

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – Manhattan Beach Police are turning to Twitter for the community's help in urging wanted suspects to turn themselves in – and it's working. Coined "Turn Yourself In Thursday," they post a wanted photo and information, asking the public to call their dispatch line if they have seen the suspect.

Last Thursday was the first time they tried out "Turn Yourself In Thursday," and according to their Twitter, it worked. John Ingram, MBPD's first suspect posted, was wanted for theft and had several warrants out for his arrest across the South Bay.

Sergeant Tim Zins of MBPD said they based their idea for "Turn Yourself In Thursday" off of other police departments who had a similar program. Their hope is to make the community more aware of what's going on and help them catch suspects, he said.

The program and Twitter post played an important role in finding their first suspect, he said. There are so many people with warrants out for their arrest, so the "Turn Yourself In Thursday" also helps patrol officers become aware of suspects.

"Patrol officers take the flier out with them so they’re driving around keeping an eye out," Zins said. "That’s how they caught the first guy guy we posted last week."

This week's "Turn Yourself in Thursday" is for Mark Zubick, has a warrant out for his arrest in addition to a connection with vandalism in Manhattan Beach. If you've seen Zubick, MBPD urges you to call their dispatch line at (310) 545-4566.

Image via Manhattan Beach Police Department Twitter