SWALEDALE – Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Swaledale man Tuesday afternoon for making false reports to law enforcement.
According to a report, Thomas Wayne Markel, 48, made a 911 call for what turned out to be a non-emergency situation. Markle had been warned the previous day not to call 911 unless there was an emergency. Markle was arrested for false report to law enforcement and interference with official acts.
This is not the fist time Markle has cried wolf.
Records show that Markle was arrested in December of 2012 for the same offense and was fined and assessed court costs totalling $330.00. He still owes $180.00 in that case.
According to Sheriff Kevin Pals, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department has answered eight 911 calls since January 1, 2013 from Markel.
“The calls all vary a little from harassment, civil issues, and wanting to talk with someone,” Sheriff Pals stated. “There is no specific pattern with his calls.”
Sheriff Pals re-iterated the danger from the public in making unnecessary 911 calls.
“The danger is we are answering 911 calls that are not emergencies or calls not needing a deputy to respond when we should be answering real calls for help. Plus deputies are responding with lights and siren putting the deputy and citizens in potential danger.”
Markle is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $300.00 cash bond.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
