MCTX Sheriff Arrests Swatting Suspect in Spring

SPRING, TX -- On November 25, 2023, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Montgomery County Dispatch received thirteen 911 emergency phone calls from the same cell phone number near the 100 block of Sawdust Road in Spring, Texas. Each time the caller dialed 911, they hung up as soon as the call was answered. The caller then sent an emergency text message to 911 and advised that there was an active shooter at a nearby business.

Deputies assigned to the District Two Patrol Division quickly arrived at the location and observed no emergency, which indicated that the caller falsely reported the active shooter to elicit an emergency response. District Two Detectives identified the caller as 27-year-old Francisco Hernandez from Houston, Texas. The investigation revealed Hernandez made 44 emergency phone calls to Montgomery County Dispatch within the last two months.

On November 30, 2023, Detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office obtained a warrant for Francisco's arrest, who was taken into custody for the charge of False Report to Induce Emergency Response. Francisco was also arrested for an additional warrant out of Harris County for Harassment and is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail.

The abuse of 911 services is not only illegal, but it also needlessly increases the danger to both law enforcement personnel and the public due to emergency driving and diverting resources from genuine emergencies. It is essential to use 911 services responsibly and only in cases of actual emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.