By Staff
April 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
This criminal act sets a new level for stupidity.
On April 16, 2019, at approximately 7:45 pm, the Halton Regional Police Service received a call to attend an address on Walkers Line in Burlington. Information from the caller stated a female had been shot at the residence.
A large emergency response (including police and EMS) was coordinated and attended the address. Investigation found the allegation that a female was shot, to be false.
Zach Gerdes (27) of Burlington, was arrested at the scene and charged with the following:
-Public Mischief
-Convey False Message
It is alleged that the 911 call was made by Gerdes to expedite police response to a separate report in regards to missing property.
Police would like to remind the public that 911 is only to be used in an emergency. It is a criminal offence to make a false 911 call and such hoaxes divert first responders from actual emergencies.
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
What a waste of emergency service resources. Someone could have been injured rushing to the “scene”. I’m glad he was charged, let’s hope there is a conviction.