Police charge male with public mischief for reporting made-up crime

MEDIA RELEASE

Lethbridge Police have charged a 20-year-old male with public mischief after he reported an elaborate kidnapping that wasted significant police resources in Lethbridge and Calgary and was ultimately proven to be untrue.

On March 2 at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a hostage-taking and kidnapping in progress. The male caller reported a friend had just phoned him and stated he had been kidnapped and was trapped in the back of a moving vehicle. The caller told dispatchers the kidnappers were armed with bear spray, knives and possibly a firearm.

The LPS Criminal Investigation Section and Critical Incident Team were immediately called out and initiated an investigation. Following an extensive investigation involving numerous police officers, including assistance from members of the Calgary Police Service, the alleged victim was located in Calgary, confirmed to be safe and had not been the victim of any crime.

At approximately 11 p.m. the male caller, who fabricated the story, was subsequently located at his residence and arrested without incident.

Jacob Xander Brown, 20, of Lethbridge, is charged with one count of public mischief. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court May 8.

Police remind the public that making a false report to police is a criminal offence and subject to criminal charges.