Cape man arrested for multiple 911 calls

Cape Girardeau police arrested a man this week, saying he abused the 911 emergency telephone service.

Gregory Benn, 46, of 627 N. Frederick St., was charged Thursday with misdemeanor misuse of emergency telephone services.

He is accused of calling 911 seven times over a 45-minute period Wednesday night, according to a news release from Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle. Benn told the dispatcher he wanted set up an appointment with a detective and the prosecutor, the release stated. He was apparently upset about how police were investigating an allegation he had, police Capt. Roger Fields said.

The dispatcher told Benn repeatedly that 911 was for emergency use only, but the defendant continued to call, the release stated.

When he went to the police station later that night to lodge a complaint, he was arrested in the lobby, the release stated.

If convicted, Benn could receive up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Swingle called the crime a "serious matter."

"911 lines need to be kept open," he said. Anyone wishing to reach the prosecutor should call his office during normal business hours, Swingle said.