The Key West Police Department arrested a homeless man on Sunday for disorderly conduct after he appeared to falsely report hearing gunshots and then acted belligerently towards officers.
According to the report, officers responded to the Sunbeam Market on White Street around 5:36 p.m. in reference to shots fired. Even before arriving on scene, KWPD dispatch advised the officers that the caller was “very rude and vile on the phone.” Furthermore, the caller would not provide an exact location of the incident, but dispatch was able to track his cell phone to the 500 block of White Street.
Upon arrival, officers met with Doug Wayne Harding, 48, who stated he was sleeping behind a dumpster when he heard two gun shots and a woman scream. Harding said the gunshots came from a .22 caliber gun, and that they originated from the area of the Island House on Fleming Street. However, Harding still was unable to provide a more exact location of the incident.
During his interaction with officers, Harding consistently yelled and cursed at officers, causing a scene. According to the report, he also strongly smelled of alcohol. Harding’s behavior started to draw a crowd, and officers warned him to stop or he would be arrested. However, Harding continued acting belligerently.
Officers spoke with personnel from the Island House, as well as numerous people in the area. No one reported hearing any gunshots or screams.
Due to his continued erratic behavior, officers placed Harding under arrest. He was charged with disorderly conduct for breaching the peace. Officers transported him to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held on a $1000 bail.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.