Randy is walking through the mall parking lot when he observes an individual trying to gain entry to an automobile by breaking the side window.Randy immediately uses his cellphone to call the police.He reports that a burglary of a vehicle is occurring at the mall.A police officer responds to the scene and finds the individual inside the vehicle attempting to start it.Subsequent investigation at the scene determines that the individual is not a thief but a "repro man" and is attempting to repossess the vehicle due to non-payment by the purchaser.No arrest is made and the police officer departs the scene.Randy has NOT committed the offense of false report to a peace officer because:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Randy did not have any intent to deceive the authorities when he made the cellphone call. He genuinely believed that a vehicle burglary was taking place and reported it to the police. The fact that he was mistaken regarding the identity of the individual does not necessarily mean he intended to make a false report. The element of intent is crucial in the offense of false report to a peace officer, and Randy did not have the required mental state for the crime.

Randy Is Walking Through the Mall Parking Lot When He