Call for possible dead body a foolish prank, police say

DAYTON — Police were poised to secure the area around 16 N. Jersey St. and start investigating a possible homicide, but it turned out to be a big load of crap.

Literally.

Dayton police and fire dispatch received a call sometime after 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, that something was covered up in the backyard of the vacant house.

The caller did not leave a name.

A neighborhood assistance officer went to investigate and called for police after seeing what appeared to be a body wrapped in blankets, Lt. Brian Johns said.

Crews arrived on scene and saw flies lighting on and swarming around the “body,” which was prone in the overgrown backyard.

“The smell was ungodly,” Johns said.

Officer Kervin Velez unwrapped the “body” and police realized the blankets were filled with dog feces.

“Tax dollars at work for this tomfoolery,” said Johns, who referred to the bundle of poop as a burrito.

Jokes aside, Johns said the seriousness of a dead body call sends officers into “lights and sirens” mode, as they try to hurriedly get to the scene, and accidents can happen.

“To tie up several officers for a prank is ridiculous,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2374 or anwatson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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