A man whose image spread faster than the latest political meme decided his best option was to turn himself in to the Turlock Police Department to face charges on a series of ATM break-ins.
Ramil Khodiadeh, 21, of Turlock was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of committing three counts of commercial burglary to an ATM.
Three separate ATMs were broken into around Turlock on June 11, 12 and 13. In an earlier news release the Turlock Police Department stated the suspect was unable to get to the cash, but did get his photo taken by the surveillance cameras.
The thefts were reported to different shifts at the Turlock Police Department, but the Crime and Community Information Analyst saw the trend and connected all three after a shift sergeant alerted her to the first two. The sergeant provided the analyst with surveillance photos and requested it be put on social media. The analyst alerted Crime Stoppers and the information was put out that day with the surveillance photos.
It didn't take long for the photos to be picked up by various media outlets and shared numerous times on social media platforms.
Soon after sharing the photos, tips started to come identifying the suspect as Khodiadeh, but before they could be delivered to the investigating officer another Turlock police officer on another shift recognized Khodiadeh from the internal crime bulletin the analyst had released and alerted the investigating officer.
The pressure of social media, Crime Stoppers, and the investigating officer were enough for Khodiadeh, who came to the Turlock Police Department on Wednesday. After interviewing Khodiadeh, he was arrested on the burglary charges.
“This is another example of how teamwork from within the Turlock Police Department and with the community can solve crimes and capture those who perpetrate the crimes,” said Captain Miguel Pacheco.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Officer Kim Briggs at 209-668-5550 ext. 6742. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 extension 6780 or email tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
