A 56-year-old Centralia man is behind bars after calling in a fake crime to avoid arrest.
William Benjamin Bernstein refused to make his initial appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Sept. 23, following his arrest late Monday night.
He faces misdemeanor charges of third-degree false reporting and obstructing a law enforcement officer along with felony first-degree criminal impersonation, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Bernstein “has an extensive criminal history too voluminous to list,” noting there have been 46 warrants for his arrest and that there are 18 active bench warrants.
At about 11:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, a Centralia Police Department sergeant was on patrol when he saw a gray Kia Soul parked at Safeway. He recognized the vehicle as being associated with Bernstein, who he saw walking away from the car toward the grocery store.
The sergeant conducted a records search, learning there were a number outstanding warrants for Bernstein’s arrest.
The sergeant could see Bernstein talking on his phone inside Safeway.
Lewis County 911 dispatch notified the sergeant that a “John Laster” was calling 911 to report a dispute at Fort Borst Park, which is just south of the grocery store.
The caller, who was later determined to be Bernstein, said “he could hear a male yelling at a female and it sounded pretty intense,” according to the affidavit of probable cause filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Two other officers responded to the park while (the sergeant) stayed at Safeway,” the affidavit stated. “The two officers found no evidence of a dispute in the park. A felony warrant was confirmed and (the sergeant) approached Bernstein and had him exit the store. Bernstein was asked if he called 911 and he said ‘no.’ Bernstein was then arrested and taken for medical clearance before going to the jail. While at the hospital, Bernstein was read his rights and agreed to speak with officers. After initially denying calling 911 and making the false report, Bernstein admitted he made the call and used the false name because he didn't want to go to jail.”
The sergeant listened to the 911 call and confirmed the voice on the call was that of Bernstein, according to the affidavit.
Bernstein was scheduled to make his first appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Thursday after refusing to attend a hearing on Wednesday.
He remains held in the Lewis County Jail.
