Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 30-year-old man named Kentrail Rasheem Lawrence was taken into custody yesterday after he allegedly placed a false emergency call, claiming there was an armed disturbance. This call prompted a swift and substantial response from the Gainesville Police Department, involving 12 police units and a K-9 team.
The incident unfolded on the evening of November 15, around 5:18 p.m., when the police were dispatched to the Pineridge neighborhood. Lawrence, the caller, reported that his boyfriend had strangled him, threatened him with pepper spray and a knife, and was carrying a concealed firearm.
Upon arrival, the first officer on the scene conversed with Lawrence and his boyfriend. It quickly became apparent that no disturbance was taking place. The boyfriend consented to a search, allowing the officer to examine his person and belongings, and no weapons were discovered.
Nearby witnesses, a group of people standing close to Lawrence, were interviewed by the officers. They reportedly confirmed that Lawrence’s claims were fabricated, stating that nothing had actually occurred.
After being read his Miranda rights, Lawrence reportedly chose not to respond to any further inquiries from law enforcement.
The arresting officer reported that the 911 call was dispatched as a “priority one Armed Disturbance,” with about 12 GPD units responding, including a K-9 unit, with lights and sirens active and “driving at speeds that would potentially put the officers at risk, along with the public.” The report notes that the cost of this response “well exceeds over $100 worth of emergency services.”
A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a crack pipe.
Lawrence, who is described as homeless in the arrest report, has been charged with misuse of 911 services, making a false report, and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors. He has three felony convictions (one violent) and six misdemeanor convictions (non-violent); he is on probation for aggravated battery. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $35,000 on the new charges; he has not been booked yet for violating probation.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
