SENECA ARMED ROBBERY - SOCIAL MEDIA NABS THE SUSPECT QUICKLY

SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BE THE DEVIL>>> BUT NOT LAST NIGHT
• Seneca PD requests Joplin PD help on FB
• FB post took about 20 minutes to identify suspect
• Already in custody by morning, he was spotted at casino

(64865) — Last night at 11:45 a man entered the Big Daddy's Gas Station in Seneca armed with a knife. The suspect left with cash and fled in a vehicle.

Seneca Police Chief Altic tells Joplin News First exclusively in our video...he contacted Joplin Police Department with an image from the security cameras because of JPD’s social large social media following.

“We only have about 800 people [on our FB page] in Seneca,” he tells us. “But Joplin’s following is extensive and they are a great source to provide law enforcement information. It only took about 20 minutes and they identified where the suspect was and Ottawa County was waiting for him.”

Chief Altic mentioned that social media can sometimes be the devil because people are so negative but sometimes it can be used in the right way..."you'd be surprised what some of these criminals put up on their pages. It makes it so easy for us to identify them."

Thank you to the Joplin Police Department, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, unnamed tribal police agencies, Seneca Police Department & Chief James Altic, Newton County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol and other agencies who made this arrest possible.

Also for those watching social media and reporting to authorities what you see...you are keeping us all more safe - thank you.

- - - -exclusive§breaking§newssponsored- - -

Gardner Express Care
New patients are 50% off first visit!
Also allergy shots are $49 for May!
1701 W 26th, behind the Neighborhood Market on Maiden Lane #gardnerexpresscare

The Joplin Globe Digital Access
Get the Globe's Award winning writing in your inbox overnight or when breaking news happens you will have it immediately via text or email {click} the product link below