Wanted Hit And Run Suspect Posts On Police Department’s Facebook Page

SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) – As Sheffield Police investigate a hit and run from Saturday afternoon, detectives get an unusual twist in the case.

Before the suspect turns himself in or answers any questions from police, he shows up on social media to defend his actions.

“I think some other individuals went on there and made some rather disparaging comments, and I think he was probably defending himself, but he probably ought to come down here and defend himself rather than Facebook,” said Chief Greg Ray with the Sheffield Police Department.

Chief Ray says these posts give detectives important information about the suspect, which could be used in this case, if charges get filed.

“He`s certainly telling us he knows we want to talk to him, so he can`t say I didn`t know they were looking for me,” said Ray.

WHNT News 19 first alerted officers to Henson’s posts and since then, the police department’s social media administrator deleted the comments for the sake of the case.  However, Chief Ray says, an online trail can be traced for years.

“Anything you put on there, it doesn`t go away,” said Ray.  “It`s there forever.  It may come back to haunt you one day in court, or criminal proceedings or civil proceedings.”

It’s another aspect to social media sites as law enforcement, the public, and now even suspects themselves, log in to find the latest details.

Joshua Henson came in and spoke with detectives late Monday afternoon.

Henson gave a statement but has not been charged.   

Police say the victim is still in Huntsville Hospital, recovering from several broken bones.