Man allegedly calls 911 with fake murder report for faster response from Texas police

Associated Press

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 8:41 PM

TYLER, Texas - Police said an East Texas man has outsmarted himself in trying to get a quicker response from officers to an alleged assault. Tyler police said 38-year-old Mark Anthony Johnson called 911 on Monday night and reported that he'd just committed a homicide and was armed with a weapon.

According to a Tyler police statement, several officers sped to the northwest Tyler location with lights flashing and sirens screaming. They found Johnson, who allegedly told them the homicide was a ruse to get a quicker response to what his real beef was, a simple assault complaint.

Indeed, the Tyler police did act quickly. They arrested Johnson and charged him with filing a false report. He's in the Smith County Jail with bond set at $3,000. A jail spokeswoman said she has no record of an attorney for him.

Recent Nation stories

'George can have his library now,' condo owner says after ending Bush library dispute with SMU - November 10, 2009

'George can have his library now,' condo owner says after ending Bush library dispute with SMU - A former condominium owner and Southern Methodist University officials have settled a four-year property dispute involving the site of George W. Bush's presidential library, both parties announced Tuesday. More