False reporting case could be resolved without trial

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on July 13, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 20-year-old Lethbridge man accused of falsely telling police his friend was kidnapped, is working with his lawyer to resolve the case without the need for a trial.

The matter for Jacob Xander Brown was in Lethbridge court of justice this week, where Lethbridge lawyer Marcus Mueller was granted an adjournment to have early case resolution discussions with the Crown.

Jacob Xander Brown was charged with one count of public mischief after a man reported an elaborate kidnapping that involved significant police resources in Lethbridge and Calgary, and was ultimately proven to be untrue.

At about 7 p.m. on March 2 police responded to a 911 call reporting a hostage-taking and kidnapping in progress. A man reported a friend had phoned him moments earlier 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 Lethbridge Police Service’s criminal investigation section and critical incident team were immediately deployed 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 found in Calgary and confirmed he was safe and had not been the victim of any crime.

At about 11 p.m. Brown was arrested at his residence, and later released from custody.

The matter is scheduled to return to court on July 25.

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