An 11-year-old girl from Port Orange, Florida, has been arrested after falsely reporting a kidnapping to 911. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the girl texted 911 claiming that her 14-year-old friend had been abducted by an armed man driving a white van on South I-95 in Oak Hill. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office, police departments, and a helicopter unit, responded to the call and began searching for the suspect vehicle.
The dispatcher at the Sheriff’s Communications Center received the text message at 9:45 a.m. and immediately alerted the authorities. Over the next hour and a half, the girl continued to send updates, including a description of the male suspect and the claim that he was armed. Through investigative means tracking the cell phone used to text 911, deputies were able to trace the location to a home in Port Orange.
At 10:23 a.m., deputies arrived at the home on Poppy Lane and made contact with the girl’s father, who confirmed that she was inside with her family. As the deputies approached the girl, she was holding her cell phone, which was ringing as she walked out to meet them. When answered, Volusia Sheriff’s Dispatch was on the line, and deputies verified their presence at the scene.
The girl, identified as Ava Rose Langone, admitted to the deputies that she had made up the story as part of a prank inspired by a YouTube challenge. She thought it would be funny to fake a kidnapping and submit a false report to 911. However, Sheriff Mike Chitwood condemned such pranks, emphasizing the danger they pose and the wastage of valuable resources that could have been used to assist someone in genuine need of help.
As a result of her actions, Ava has been charged with making a false police report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner, a felony, and misuse of 911, a misdemeanor. She was taken to the Family Resource Center for processing and then transferred to the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Sheriff Chitwood’s strong stance on this incident reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies view false reports and pranks that waste their resources. These types of actions not only put a strain on emergency services but also divert attention and resources away from real emergencies. It is essential for individuals, especially young people, to understand the consequences of their actions and the potential harm that can result from pranks or false reports.
While the availability of information and entertainment on platforms like YouTube can be beneficial, it is crucial for parents and guardians to monitor and guide their children’s online activities. In this case, the girl claimed to have been influenced by a YouTube challenge, highlighting the need for responsible internet usage and parental supervision.
Law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and addressing any incidents involving false reports or pranks, ensuring that individuals understand the gravity of their actions. Authorities hope that this incident serves as a reminder to the community about the importance of responsible behavior and the potential consequences of engaging in pranks that jeopardize public safety.
Ultimately, incidents like this highlight the need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns that promote responsible behavior and discourage the misuse of emergency services. By working together as a community, we can ensure that emergency resources are utilized effectively and efficiently, providing timely assistance to those who genuinely require help.
