(Michigan City, IN) - Tips generated by a picture of an illegal dumping suspect posted on social media by La Porte County Police quickly led to the man complying with orders to pick up the mess.

 

“The clean-up is happening and it’s concluded,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.

 

The picture was posted Tuesday morning on the Facebook page of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Within a few hours, police based on tips from citizens seeing the picture located the older model pick-up truck in Michigan City and the driver contained in the image.

 

Allen said the alleged violator, Andre Dockery, 57, was not cited for illegal dumping.  Instead, the man quickly complied with orders to remove the swimming pool liner and numerous cardboard boxes dumped on private property in the 700 block of Sheridan Ave. on the city’s west side.

 

Allen said the man was also “counseled on his decision making” by the officer discovering his whereabouts.

 

The dumping occurred about three weeks ago.

 

In response, Allen said the property owner wanting the trash removed later complained to a sheriff’s deputy.

 

Allen wouldn’t disclose how the picture was obtained but it worked to generate tips like other images have in the past to solve crimes.  He hopes the picture and the almost immediate public response to it will discourage others from illegal dumping.

 

“Littering will not be tolerated,” he said.

 

Allen also gave thanks to the “loyal followers and supporters” of the sheriff’s office Facebook page for their consistent response for help in generating leads on cases.

 

“We routinely do this from time to time and it’s been a great success,” he said.