Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities detained Kentrail Rasheem Lawrence, 30, following accusations of fabricating a 911 emergency call that prompted a significant police response involving 12 units from the Gainesville Police Department, alongside a K-9 team.

At approximately 5:18 p.m. on November 15, a dozen police units rushed to the Pineridge area after receiving a distress call. The caller alleged that his boyfriend had strangled him, threatened to use pepper spray and a knife, and was carrying a concealed firearm.

Upon arrival, the first officer on the scene engaged with both Lawrence and his partner, quickly determining that no immediate threat existed. Lawrence’s boyfriend consented to a search, during which officers found no weapons either on him or in his belongings.

Police also interviewed witnesses present nearby, who reportedly confirmed that the incident was fabricated, attributing the falsehoods to Lawrence.

Post Miranda, Lawrence reportedly declined to answer any questions.

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.