Alice River man charged for alleged ‘hoax’ emergency calls

A Townsville man has been charged after allegedly making multiple fake emergency calls about an armed offender, sparking a full-blown police response, chopper and all.

The Townsville police helicopter also responded to the incident. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Townsville man has been charged after allegedly making multiple fake emergency calls about an armed offender, sparking a full-blown police response, chopper and all.

Police allege the 37-year-old Alice River resident phoned triple-0 around 4pm on Sunday, February 16, falsely claiming an armed person was threatening him.

Taking the call seriously, multiple police units, including a helicopter, raced to the Progress Road address.

During a frantic 45-minute period, the man allegedly made around 18 triple-0 calls to police and ambulance services, repeatedly claiming he was in danger.

By 4.40pm, officers entered the man’s house, safely detained him, and conducted a search of the premises.

No weapons were found, and no one was injured.

Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson has warned of the strain fake calls place on emergency services.

“Fake or hoax calls take up valuable police and ambulance time and resources – which should be used for real emergencies,” he said.

“In this instance multiple officers and a helicopter crew responded to what could have been a dangerous and difficult scene.”

The 37-year-old man was issued a Notice to Appear for improper use of emergency services – false belief, and is due in Townsville Magistrates Court on March 13.

Originally published as Alice River man charged for alleged ‘hoax’ emergency calls