Law roundup: Dispatchers deliver dose of reality to Columbia Falls man

It might have seemed a bit much to swallow for officers with the Columbia Falls Police Department, but a trip to a Fourth Avenue home apparently originated with a complaint about a food order.

The fine kettle of fish began with a disconnected 911 call. Dispatchers phoned the number back and, after a fashion, made contact with the man who originally called the emergency line. But, aside from a mention of a food delivery service app, the man kept tight lipped about his situation.

“You don’t have to verify nothing,” he told dispatchers when they tried to explain why they were asking so many questions. Eventually, though, he wanted to know whether officers were en route. He then acknowledged the call was not an emergency and instead complained about an online food delivery service. Dispatchers served him a dose of reality, explaining that if he did not want law enforcement at his doorstep, he needed to answer their questions.

A nine-year-old apparently outran a neighborhood dog, described as a husky. The dog lived two doors down and had begun chasing the child, a caller told dispatchers. There were no reported injuries. The dog owner’s version of the story apparently differed from that of the caller, but officers still counseled him on the city’s dog at large ordinance.

Officers were called upon to intervene with an unruly customer. The man was described as possibly on drugs, and walking around and yelling while wielding a shovel. Officers determined the man was fine, but advised him of several outstanding warrants.

Police moved along a woman caught allegedly shoplifting in a local store. Store loss prevention personnel held her in the deli area until officers arrived to cite her. They described the woman, who was in her 50s, as being cooperative.

Three other shoplifters, including one juvenile, were taken into custody by authorities after security personnel caught them in an area store. The trio initially refused to share their identities with investigators. One person was cited and the juvenile was reported to youth court.