Thief Gives Police Fake Name to Avoid Sitting in Jail on Birthday

Niagara Falls Police responded to Family Dollar on the 800 block of Portage Road around 1pm on October 4th after reports of a shoplifter. While en route, dispatch advised officers that the caller stated a black male wearing a maroon hoody fled the store out the rear exit with a case of Red Bull without paying for it.

A officers arrived in the area, a black male was observed matching the description heading East on the 1100 block of Haeberle Avenue. Officers observed him drop his red bike and run on foot North through back yards towards Oakwood Cemetery. He continued to run through the cemetery and began taking articles of clothing off while he was running.

The male was eventually detained without incident on the 1100 block of Elmwood Avenue with no shirt on. He identified himself to officers as “John N. Smith.”

He was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. While there, it was determined that John N. Smith was providing a false name. He provided officers several different variations of his name. He did not have any identification on him.

He provided officers with the name “Nathan J. Johnson,” but when asked to write it down he wrote “Nathan J. Jonoshon.” After further investigation, officers found that his name was Nathaniel C. Jones.

Officers began to fingerprint him and while doing so an officer said “Jones,” to which he turned around and looked at the officer. He then smiles and stated, “you guys are good, I thought I had warrants.” He further told police that he didn’t want to sit in jail for his birthday.

As it turned out, there were no warrants. He was charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation and released on an appearance ticket.

Thief Gives Police Fake Name to Avoid Sitting in Jail on Birthday