Police Use Social Media Tip to Find Armed Robbery Suspect

Social media proved to be a valuable tool in tracking down an armed robbery suspect this week, police said.

Anne Arundel County police charged a Gambrills man in a December armed robbery of a Wawa in Annapolis. 

Thomas Jeffrey Kirsch, 52, was charged with armed robbery, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and theft of under $100.

On Dec. 22, police said a man entered the Wawa on Admiral Drive, pulled out a knife and demanded money. He took an undisclosed amount of cash, and fled in a mid-sized vehicle. No one was injured in the incident.

Shortly after the crime, Anne Arundel County police released photos captured on video surveillance at the store. 

Detectives then received a tip from a resident who saw the photos on a social media site, indicating that the man shown in the images lived in Gambrills. 

On Wednesday, authorities executed a search warrant at Kirsch's home. Items related to the robbery were reportedly recovered at the home, police said.