Instagram account used to ID witnesses had nearly 7,900 followers

Police are investigating an Instagram account that has identified more than 30 witnesses in violent crimes in the last several months, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The account, called “rats215“, had nearly 7,900 followers. It’s since been shut down.

Police believe a 17-year-old is behind the account, the Inquirer reported.

It’s not a surprise that Instagram was being used for witness intimidation: the city district attorney’s office noted the trend this spring.

Read the whole Inquirer story here.