Twitter Tip Leads to Capture of Local Bank Robbery Suspect

Bedford police said a Twitter tip helped them capture a bank robbery suspect Tuesday.

Joseph Barrett, 45, of Dorchester, was charged with robbing the Bank of America on The Great Road in Bedford Monday at about noon. He allegedly said he had a handgun and fled with a handful of cash.

The Police Department post photos of Barrett on its Facebook page and Twitter feed soon after the incident.

Police said a Twitter tip led to Barrett’s capture. He arrested at his place of employment on South Road in Bedford and charged with one count of armed robbery.

“I wish to commend the members of the public who recognized this dangerous individual on social media and undoubtedly led us to a quick arrest in this case,” Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno said in a statement. “The kinds of police-public partnerships we have developed in Bedford, using the social media tools at our disposal, are invaluable.”

Photo: Police said this photo shows Joseph Barrett robbing the Bedford Bank of America on The Great Road Monday. (Credit: Bedford police)