From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Thanks to social media, a utility vehicle was recovered within a 24-hour time frame.
Sometime late Sunday night, on May 1st, a John Deere Gator was stolen from Ider High School. On Monday morning, after staff realized the utility vehicle was missing, Principal Ott turned to Facebook asking the public for help. In Principal Ott’s post, she included a photo of the vehicle involved in the theft. A short time later, an observant citizen noticed the vehicle that was involved in the theft, called it in and the utility vehicle was recovered on Woodland Avenue in Ider.
Jacob Lee Correll (30 of Ider) was charged with Burglary 3rd, Theft of Property 1st, Criminal Trespass 3rd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempt to Elude, Resisting Arrest, Receiving Stolen Property 4th and Parole Violation.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “When things are put on social media, it can be a blessing or a curse. In this case, it was definitely a blessing.”
“We had numerous tips that were called in that led law enforcement straight to where the stolen property was sitting. What thieves don’t realize is that even when they think no one sees them, there is always someone that sees something.”
“I am proud of and very thankful to be a part of such an incredible community. When our community bands together, it makes us all a force to be reckoned with.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
