Ajax man charged after calling 911 more than two dozen times

A Durham Regional Police logo is shown in Bowmanville, Ont. on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives

An Ajax man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly called 911 more than two dozen times for non-emergency reasons.

Police say that the suspect began repeatedly calling 911 at around 3:50 p.m. on Sunday.

Officers and paramedics subsequently attended a residence in the area of Harwood Avenue South and Station Street to check on the man but he declined assistance,

Police say that he was then advised that the continued use of 911 when there was no emergency could result in charges.

It is alleged that shortly after the officers left the residence, the man resumed calling 911.

Police say that he ended up calling 911 approximately 24 times between 3:50 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Devon Riley Real, 24, was later arrested and charged with mischief and harassment by means of repeated telecommunications.

“911 and emergency service phone numbers are meant for real emergencies,” a news release from Durham police states. “Every 911 call that is not a genuine emergency takes up valuable time and prompts a response or assessment by emergency call takers that could be devoted to actual emergencies where life saving measures are needed.”

Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward.