Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities say a Grand Forks woman is facing multiple charges after making dozens of calls to 911 without an emergency and assaulting a police officer.
According to court documents, the incident began just after midnight on August 6th. Police say 39-year-old Charelle Antoinette Landers first called the non-emergency line at the Grand Forks Public Safety Answering Point. She reportedly told dispatch she planned to call all night.
When a sergeant tried to contact her, Landers began calling 911 directly. By her 13th call, officials say there was still no legitimate emergency. Dispatchers reported that she sang gospel songs, recited Bible verses, and repeatedly hung up.
Police attempted to speak with her at her apartment after she had called 24 times. Court records state that Landers twice told officers she would not stop calling.
Despite warnings that charges would be filed, she allegedly made 13 more calls, bringing the total to 37.
When officers returned, they informed her she was under arrest. Police say Landers then struck an officer in the jaw with her elbow, resisted arrest, and tried to pull away before being taken into custody.
Landers is now charged with felony simple assault on a peace officer, misdemeanor harassment for misusing 911, and misdemeanor preventing arrest.
Misusing the 911 system is a crime in North Dakota and can carry fines or jail time, especially when tied to other charges. Authorities urge the public to use emergency lines only for actual emergencies.
Court proceedings are underway, and no injuries to officers were reported beyond the initial assault.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
