Phony 911 Call Leads to Unconnected Arrest

A man who allegedly placed a phony emergency call to 911 on Saturday was arrested by police on a unrelated warrant charging him with attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Carlos Roberto Morales, 25, who is being held on a no-bail arrest warrant, was taken into custody about 11:30 a.m. at a pay telephone booth after the bogus call was traced by police.

Morales may face charges for allegedly calling 911 to report that a gunman had shot a customer at a Garden Grove bar and remained holed up inside, said Sgt. Frank Hauptmann.

Police and an ambulance rushed to the address they were given but found no bar and no shooting victim, Hauptman said. The 911 call was traced to a nearby phone booth, where police said they found Morales still on the line.

Police said Morales is wanted in connection with a July 23 attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

The victim in that case suffered a broken nose and was beaten so badly medical officials feared he might lose sight in one eye, Hauptman said.

At the time, Morales was questioned and released because of insufficient evidence. After further investigation linked him to the case, an arrest warrant was issued, Hauptman said.

Morales gave authorities several different aliases, officials said.

However, a computer check of his fingerprints turned up his true identify and the outstanding warrant, officials said.