As we learned after the Boston Marathon Bombing, social media was a very helpful outlet for law enforcement in their ability getting pictures, descriptions and other helpful information to and from the public.
In previous posts (like my blog series – Giving Your #Selfie Away) the social media landscape is changing how we search for people, not in terms of friends and family, but for people that are wanted for criminal acts nationwide – such as Ryan Kelly Chamberlain
While many details are still unknown regarding the current nationwide manhunt for Ryan Kelly Chamberlain (San Francisco, CA.), it was reported that his apartment contained explosives and the materials to build them. Chamberlain is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
According to public information, Chamberlain (42 years old) is wanted on suspicion of possessing explosives. On Saturday, multiple agencies, including hazardous materials crews, FBI and local police searched Chamberlain’s apartment while he was not home. After the search the found explosive materials were found and sent to an FBI lab for testing.
The affidavit and search warrant used to enter Chamberlain’s home currently remain sealed.
He was last seen on Sunday driving a white 2008 Nissan Altima with Texas or California license plate numbers 7FQY085 or BX9M042.
If these events are local, in this case the San Francisco area, if your smartphone is enabled (here’s how on an iPhone) people can receive alerts directly to their phone about emergencies and amber alerts.
Also by hash tagging (adding a “#” in front of a word on social media outlets) it can be searched. Just by searching #RyanChamberlain, I was able to see many private citizens releasing information to their respective circles, who in turn share that information or post with their circles, thus reaching a much larger and more meaningful audience than the local news station. Even this blog becomes another avenue.
Chamberlain is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information on him or his whereabouts – no piece of information is too small – please call the police at 415-553-7400 or 911.
Thomas Ruskin 