UPDATE: Police Make Arrest Following False Shooting Report in Burlington

Published April 17, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Halton Police have arrested one suspect following a false shooting report in Burlington.

Yesterday (April 16) at around 7:45 p.m., Halton Police received a call to attend an address on Walkers Line in the city.

According to police, the caller stated that a female had been shot at a residence.

A large emergency response (including police and EMS) was coordinated and went to the location.

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Following an investigation, it was discovered that the allegation that a female had been shot was false.

As a result, Zach Gerdes (27) of Burlington, was arrested at the scene.

The accused is facing the following alleged charges: public mischief, and convey false message.

Police allege that the 911 call was made by the accused to accelerate a police response to a separate report in regards to missing property.

Police are now reminding the public that 911 should only be used for emergencies.

“It is a criminal offence to make a false 911 call and such hoaxes divert first responders from actual emergencies,” reads a recent press release.