MEDINA: Police are crediting Facebook fans for helping to lead investigators to the person they believe is responsible for a rash of thefts from the city’s recreation center.
Medina police have charged Deonte L. Harris, of Fairview Park, with felony theft related to a June 21 incident at the city’s recreation center.
Investigators say surveillance cameras captured images of a man as he walked around taking credit cards from recreation center patrons.
The images were later posted on the department’s Facebook page seeking help in identifying the man. Investigators say tips led to the charge being filed against Harris.
“When you commit a crime in Medina, we put the whole town on your trail,” said Chief Patrick Berarducci in prepared statement. “Facebook and our fans are a formidable crime-fighting tool and our detectives are determined investigators. His crime spree is coming to an end.”
Medina police have asked the U.S. Marshals Service’s Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for help in apprehending Harris.
Medina Detective Kirk Vozar, who is the lead investigator on the case, said several area departments have also expressed interest in talking with Harris.
Investigators say additional charges could be filed once the case is presented to the Medina County grand jury.
Anyone with information about Harris can contact the Medina Police Department at 330-725-7777.
The Medina Police Department’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/MEDINAPOLICE.