Montgomery County Police say a North Bethesda woman is facing charges after a false 9-1-1 report sparked a major police response.
Frederick, Md. (DG) – A prank involving artificial intelligence has landed a North Bethesda woman in legal trouble after a fake home invasion report triggered a major police response.
Montgomery County Police say 27-year-old Moesha Gardener sent her husband texts claiming an unknown man had broken into their McGrath Boulevard home on October 8th. She even shared a computer-generated image showing a supposed intruder on the couch. Her husband called 9-1-1, sending eight police cruisers speeding through traffic to the home.
When officers arrived, Gardener was alone and admitted the report was a hoax. Police say a cell phone on a tripod had been used to stage the scene. Gardener was arrested two days later and charged with making false statements to authorities.
Authorities warn that false emergency reports, often referred to as “swatting,” can endanger lives and carry serious legal consequences