Background
A man named Ashton Garcia, who called in fake emergencies to 911 centers across the U.S. and Canada, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison. Garcia, during online live streams, boasted that he couldn’t be caught while reporting false shootings, hostage situations, and even a bomb threat at LAX.
Court Apology
In federal court, Garcia expressed a much different tone, apologizing for his actions and claiming that he was part of a toxic online culture. He admitted to creating real danger with his fake 911 calls.
Fake 911 Calls
Garcia made disguised online calls from his apartment in Bremerton, Washington, describing horrific and false emergencies to 911 dispatchers. For instance, he falsely reported that his mother was bleeding and that he accidentally shot her, all while taunting and laughing at the dispatchers once they figured out his deception.
Mocking Law Enforcement
During one of the fake calls, Garcia acknowledged the terroristic nature of his actions, sarcastically agreeing with a dispatcher that he was a terrorist. His behavior continued to mock and taunt law enforcement, even during a fake hostage situation in 2022 where he targeted a community in Ohio.
Community Response and Arrest
Members of the online community eventually recognized the severity of Garcia’s actions and anonymously reported him to law enforcement. Despite believing he wouldn’t be caught, Garcia was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison. The Ohio police department commander, who interacted with Garcia during a fake hostage situation, attended his sentencing and emphasized the commitment to holding people accountable for such actions.
Conclusion
Garcia’s case highlights the real dangers and impacts of fake emergency calls, showcasing the importance of community involvement in reporting harmful behavior and the commitment of law enforcement to address and penalize such actions.
