Published: June 03, 2009 11:51 pm      

Man falsely reported shooting, police say

A Johnstown man was jailed Tuesday after police said he filed a false report of a shooting to get officers to respond to his earlier call that his vehicle had been stolen.

Paul Wagener, 38, of the 600 block of Linden Avenue in the city’s Moxham section, called Cambria County 911 at 3:34 p.m. to report a stolen vehicle, city police said.

Wagener called again five minutes later, cursing at the dispatcher because police had not yet arrived.

Police said he then called 911 and falsely reported that several men in a car shot at three boys on Linden Avenue.

Before police arrived, Wagener called 911 again, this time to report that “he made up the shooting so the police would respond,” authorities said.

Wagener was charged with making a false report, harassment and disorderly conduct.

He was arraigned by on-call District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi of Vinco and released on unsecured bond.

Police said the delay in responding was because of a shift change.

During one call, Wagener reportedly said, “Oh, I’m sorry but crime happens during shift change.”

Zanghi ordered Wagener held in lieu of $5,000 unsecured bond.

He faces a preliminary hearing June 11 before District Judge Leonard Grecek of Roxbury.