Jefferson City man accused of fake active shooter call

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City police arrested one man after he allegedly started a fire in his apartment and called in an active shooter situation at the 10/12 Jackson Street Housing complex Thursday at 8:49 a.m. The Jefferson City fire department and Cole County EMS also responded to the scene due to the nature of the call.

When police first arrived, a complete tenant evacuation was in process for the elderly and disabled residents.

After determining there was no active shooter, police attempted to identify the caller.

Officers determined that Hankel Jones, 54, resident had triggered the fire alarm by starting a fire in his apartment, according to court documents.

After being read his Miranda warning, the suspect told police that he called 911 and said there was an active shooter, according to Jefferson City police.

Hankel is charged with second-degree arson and first-degree terroristic threat. He is in the Cole County jail.