Watch CBS News

Haverford PD Faces Criticism For Posting Photos Of Shooting Witnesses

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- What if a police department posted your picture on social media as a witness to a crime so others could identify you?

That's what happened this week in Haverford - and not everybody thought it was a good idea.

The Haverford Township Police Department released photos of three people who may have witnessed last weekend's shooting death of 29-year-old John Le.

But some feel like the department has put their lives in danger by posting their pictures to social media - and criticized us for reporting on those posts.

"We thought about that, and it was a concern, but these people aren't identified, we would never give their names out." said Haverford Police Chief John Viola.

The requests come as the manhunt continued for 24-year-old Derrick Rollins, who police tied to Le's death.

Last year, the Dallas Police Department came under fire for posting a photo of a suspected shooter who turned out to be misidentified.

"I don't feel that it's a concern, but with the limited info that we had/have as far as what happened at the actual scene of the crime, we felt that we have to talk to these people if we could find them," Viola said.

A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.