Social media campaign by family aids authorities in apprehending fugitive accused of heinous crimes

In a dramatic turn of events, authorities have apprehended Davie Albarran, a fugitive wanted in connection with allegations of child sexual abuse, following a relentless pursuit fueled by his own daughters’ social media campaign.

Albarran, aged 51, had been on the run since 2022 after authorities in Osceola County, Florida issued an arrest warrant against him for charges related to sexual assault on minors. For 451 days, he managed to evade capture until law enforcement officers discovered him concealed in a shed in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, on February 18.

Despite attempting to conceal his identity by providing a false name, Albarran was positively identified through his driver’s license photo, ultimately leading to his arrest on charges of sexual battery on a child under 12 and lewd conduct with a child under 12.

The breakthrough in Albarran’s capture came as a result of a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and his own daughters, who initiated a social media campaign to aid authorities in locating their fugitive father. Ana, one of Albarran’s daughters, expressed relief and closure upon learning of her father’s arrest, highlighting the emotional toll of the pursuit and the subsequent relief now that the search has ended.

Albarran’s daughters, Ana and Yaneiry, utilized platforms like TikTok to amplify their plea for assistance, garnering widespread attention and support from online communities. Their proactive approach, coupled with the assistance of law enforcement agencies, played a pivotal role in bringing Albarran to justice.

Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office commended the collaborative efforts that led to Albarran’s arrest, emphasizing the significance of community involvement in combating crime. Albarran’s capture serves as a testament to the power of social media in mobilizing resources and generating public awareness in the pursuit of justice.

As Albarran awaits trial in the Osceola County Jail, authorities have refrained from disclosing further details regarding the pending charges. However, his apprehension marks a significant milestone in the quest for accountability and closure for the victims of his alleged crimes.