'Most Wanted' Police Exchange Goes Viral

In case you need a little Monday pick-me-up, we have just the ticket. An "in case you missed it" story, because well, this didn't happen in our local area and it slid under our radar, too.

Meet Anthony Akers, who was wanted in late November by the Richland Police Department, in Washington state. We learned about Akers in a November 28 Facebook post from the department, which listed his name and photo on "Wanted Wednesday." 

And then, guess who commented on the post - Akers himself.

He wrote, "Calm down, im going to turn myself in." Akers' comment, at last check, had more than 8,000 "likes."

That's just the start of the story, though. Akers didn't turn himself in as promised, so police reached out through the same Facebook post, writing, "Hey Anthony! We haven't seen you yet. Our business hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Of course if you need a ride, you can call non-emergency (509-628-0333) and we will pick you up."

It probably helped their sense of humor that Akers wasn't wanted on a serious criminal offense but for an alleged probation violation.

This thread got more than 1,000 comments as other people started chiming in, with at least one follower even posting a "Free Anthony" meme.

Next, Akers left yet another comment, this time responding to the last message from police. He posted, "thank you, tying up a couple loose ends since i will probably be in there for a month. Should be in there in the next 48 hours."

In response, the department posted:

"Morose Monday. Dear Anthony, is it us? Last Wednesday we reached out to you as “wanted”. You replied and even said you were going to turn yourself in. We waited, but you didn’t show. After you stood us up, we reached out again- this time offering you a ride. You replied and said you needed 48 hours. The weekend came and went. We are beginning to think you are not coming. Please call us anytime and we will come to you. 509-628-0333."

Akers answered that post too.

Anthony Akers Richland WA Police Department:

"Dear RPD, its not you, its me. I obviously have commitment issues. I apologize for standing you up, but let me make it up to you. I will be there no later then lunchtime tomorrow, I know you have no reason to believe me after what i did to you, but I promise that if i dont make it on my own by lunchtime tomorrow I will call for a ride to assist me with my commitment issues. Thank you in advance to your response if you are patiently giving me another chance with us, I know i dont deserve it.
P.S. You're beautful

All's well that ended well, however.

Akers eventually posted a photo of himself outside the police station about to go inside. The caption: "Here for our date sweetheart."