Rosemary Martinez-Ortiz called 911 to report her daughter-in-law’s truck had been stolen in Houston, but was not satisfied with the response time, according to investigators.
The family used a pair of Airpods to track the truck to Liberty County and called 911 from Liberty County Monday morning.
Martinez-Ortiz told the dispatcher that her daughter-in-law had been kidnapped during an armed robbery, according to Captain Ken DeFoor.
Immediately, delegates north of Houston were instructed to work on the case directly. Radio communications were cut off to locate the woman believed to be in danger, the delegates said.
A co-pilot passed a white van matching Martinez-Ortiz’s description and questioned the driver about the alleged kidnapping during a search. The driver was released when deputies learned he was not involved.
Law enforcement found Martinez-Ortiz at a Cleveland gas station when she went bankrupt, authorities said.
Ms. DeFoor said: “When she saw the activity going on, cars passed by, she asked where her daughter-in-law was, and her daughter-in-law was standing next to her,” Ms. DeFoor said. “She broke down and started to be very apologetic.” I’m sorry I did this. I’m just calling in a kidnapping 911 call so you’ll answer me faster than the Houston Police Department did when we reported an actual stolen vehicle. “
Martinez-Ortiz was charged with a felony for making a false report and was charged.
“When they do that, they’re taking the opportunity to squeeze resources and manpower from people who really need assistance, whether it’s medical or whatever,” DeFoor said. “It was an incredibly immature and stupid thing for someone to do.”
It is not clear if she ever filed a report with HPD about the stolen truck.
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