Crime + investigation

The Unlikely Crime Fighters

Live PD viewers, fast-food employees and convenience store clerks step in to help out the police in this Hometown Heroes round-up.

A hand holding a McDonald's paper bag in the foreground, with a blurred car visible in the background.
Published: May 03, 2017Last Updated: September 24, 2025

McDonald's workers aren't all they seem. The fast food employees who help fight crime.

Live PD viewers are always willing to take it one step further to help out law enforcement. On two separate live car-chase segments (in South Carolina and Louisiana), fans of the show spotted criminals throwing drugs out a car window (when the police didn't see it). Viewers jumped on Twitter and let the respective police departments know. The police, who actively follow social media during broadcasts, were able to go back to the scene and retrieve the drugs to be used for evidence.

Last fall, Live PD's "The Wanted List" segment (reviewing the week's most-wanted fugitives) alerted a viewer, who called into Tulsa's homicide tip line and helped authorities find (and arrest) a man accused of a double homicide.

A police car with flashing lights and the text "LIVE PD REWIND" against a dark, foggy background.

Live PD: Rewind

Highlighted moments from "Live PD."

Guess who else is also ready to spring into action when danger calls? The answer: Fast food and convenience store workers! So, read on...and don't forget the tip jar!

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Citation Information

Article title
The Unlikely Crime Fighters
Website Name
A&E
Date Accessed
September 25, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
September 24, 2025
Original Published Date
May 03, 2017
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