Facebook Tips Lead to Arrest in Evesham, Police Say

Facebook isn't just for sharing your vacation photos this time of year—it's also a tool to help catch alleged criminals.

A photo of a Camden County woman shared by the Evesham Township Police Department last week blew up, eventually reaching 100,000 Facebook users, and resulted in the woman turning herself in, police said.

Michelle O'Donnell, 38, was captured on surveillance footage at the Burlington Coat Factory on Route 73 on Aug. 8, when she allegedly stole a woman's purse and smartphone. Evesham officers posted the photo and details of the alleged incident the following day, and it quickly spread.

By the time O'Donnell turned herself in, the original post had been shared 1,600 times and generated numerous tips, police said.

O'Donnell, who police said snatched the purse after the victim set it down while shopping, was charged with theft and released on her own recognizance.