Times Leader Article
Smoking Gun
Local mug shot gains international attention
By MICHAEL SCHULER, Times Leader Staff Writer
AN ARREST by Bellaire police is catching the attention of others, turning what was a local story into international news.
Last week when Bellaire Police arrested Patrick Tribett, 41, of Bellaire for allegedly attempting to "huff" spray paint, it seemed just like any other arrest. What was different was Tribett was caught red handed- or gold handed - to be exact July 20, outside of store at Imperial Plaza. He had gold paint on his face, which was still on his face when he was getting his "mug shot."
That picture reached the Internet, and the Bellaire Police Department has been getting calls from several other publications and Web sites wanting to use the picture and the story.
Bellaire Police Chief Robert Wallace said he isn't making fun of the situation, but thinks it's good to make people aware of the harmful and debilitating effects of substance abuse.
"It means a little to me personally. If we are going to get this kind of coverage, I wish it was for something a little more newsworthy," Wallace said. "But at the same time, while not trying to make fun of the situation or Mr. Tribett, I'm glad it was not because of a more serious crime."
Along with several Internet sites, including thesmokinggun.com and splashnews.com, Wallace said he has also been contacted by The Cleveland Plain dealer and several other media members in Ohio, as well as the London newspaper, The Sun.
One of the positives for Wallace is the wide coverage the picture is getting. Wallace said he knows law enforcement officials outside of the local area, including in other counties like The Netherlands and in Germany.
According to Wallace, Tribett pleaded guilty to attempting to inhale a harmful intoxicant last Thursday. He is currently being held at the Belmont County Jail awaiting trial in August for a parole revocation hearing.
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