BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested Saturday after police say he made multiple false 911 calls in what appeared to be a retaliatory effort following his arrest the previous day.
At approximately 9:21 a.m. on June 14, Bedford Police officers responded to a report that a man at the 1100 block of L Street had kicked his children out of the house with a sign reading “$5” and was allegedly attempting to sell them. The 911 caller refused to provide a name or additional information. Upon arrival, officers found no children outside and no indication that the claim was true.
According to the report, officers spoke with the resident, who stated he had been outside all morning and that no such incident occurred. Investigating officers noted that James Kline, who had been arrested the previous day on a warrant related to a February incident at the same address, was suspected of making the false report. Dispatch traced the 911 call to the area in front of Kline’s residence.
Around 12:30 p.m., officers responded to another 911 call reporting that a man had broken a window and fled on foot. The homeowner again told police there was no damage and that no one at the residence had contacted 911. The call originated from the same phone number used in the earlier report.
Concerned that Kline may be retaliating due to his prior arrest, the homeowner informed officers of their fear that he might continue to harass or harm them.
While officers were still on the scene, dispatch received a third 911 call from the same number claiming that someone at the same address in the 1100 block of L Street had threatened to shoot the caller in the face. Officers confirmed the claim was false, as they were speaking with the homeowner in person at the time of the report. This call was traced to the vicinity of the 1100 block of L Street, where officers observed a man walking.
Bedford Police quickly identified the man as James Kline and stopped him near 13th Street. When questioned, Kline refused to provide his full phone number and declined to show his phone’s call log. While speaking with him, officers observed an incoming call on Kline’s phone from the Bedford Police Dispatch number, confirming the link to the 911 calls.
Kline was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. His phone was confiscated as evidence.
Police say they have probable cause to believe Kline committed the following offenses:
- Unlawful Use of 911
- False Informing (False Reporting)
The investigation remains ongoing.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
