False Active Shooter Report Leads to Arrest in Montgomery County

On November 25, 2023, at around 9:30 a.m., Montgomery County Dispatch faced a series of 13 consecutive 911 emergency calls from the same cell phone number in the vicinity of the 100 block of Sawdust Road in Spring, Texas. The caller consistently disconnected upon answering. However, a subsequent emergency text message claimed an active shooter situation at a nearby business.

Deputies from the District Two Patrol Division responded to the reported location, only to find no signs of an emergency. It became evident that the call was a false report designed to prompt an emergency response. Through investigative efforts, District Two Detectives identified the caller as 27-year-old Francisco Hernandez from Houston, Texas. Further examination revealed that Hernandez had placed 44 false emergency calls to Montgomery County Dispatch over the past two months.

On November 30, 2023, detectives secured a warrant for Francisco Hernandez’s arrest on the charge of False Report to Induce Emergency Response. Hernandez was taken into custody and is currently held at the Montgomery County Jail. Additionally, he faces another warrant from Harris County for Harassment.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the serious consequences of misusing 911 services. Such actions not only violate the law but also pose potential dangers by diverting emergency resources from genuine crises. The responsible use of 911 services is crucial to ensure the safety of both the public and law enforcement personnel.