Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts stated on social media after the department spent 18 hours searching for the missing person.
Read Sheriff Robert’s statement here…
On July 18, 2025, at approximately 1:18 AM, Howell County Dispatch received a call from a male stating he was suicidal and intended to take his own life. Over the next several hours, our dispatcher and deputies worked diligently to identify the caller and determine his location. Eventually, the individual provided the name “Noah Morris” and claimed he had run away from home and was staying with a friend in Pomona.
Deputies began contacting potential family members within Howell County, while our dispatcher maintained communication with the individual. Multiple attempts were made to locate him, including contact with cellular service providers in an effort to triangulate his position via phone data—none of which were successful. The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) was contacted to assist in positively identifying the individual and determining his whereabouts. MIAC informed us of a male juvenile named Noah who had been entered as a runaway from Arkansas, but after contacting the originating agency, it was determined this was likely not the same person.
As the morning progressed and shifts changed, Corporal John Thomas took over communications with the individual. I personally joined Cpl. Thomas and spoke with “Noah” as well. Despite our continued efforts, he refused to disclose his location. He shared several past experiences that, according to him, caused deep mistrust of law enforcement and mental health services.
By mid-day, with no viable leads, I made the decision to publish a Facebook post using a photo the individual had sent during the course of conversation. Despite hundreds of shares, no actionable tips were received. During this time, I remained in contact with “Noah,” who became increasingly upset that we had posted his image. He then claimed to have taken a large quantity of pills and began speaking lethargically. At that point, I ordered deputies to begin a door-to-door search in Pomona, with assistance from the Pomona Fire Department.
Eventually, the individual provided an address in Pomona. Cpl. Thomas and I responded at approximately 3:30 PM, only to discover the address did not exist. We canvassed the immediate area and spoke with neighbors, but no one recognized the photo. With no additional leads and growing doubts about the credibility of the situation, I made the decision to suspend the search until any of the information could be independently verified.
Later that evening, Howell County Dispatch was contacted by Sergeant Newton of the Delta County, Michigan Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Newton relayed a nearly identical experience involving a male claiming to be Noah Morris, who had provided the same photo and fabricated a similar story. Their incident had concluded around the same time ours began.
After more than 18 frustrating and emotionally exhausting hours, it was confirmed that this incident was a hoax perpetrated by an unknown individual who sought to waste emergency resources and manipulate public concern. This was a deliberate, calculated act that resulted in a significant drain on our personnel and operational capabilities.
Out of caution, I have withheld several specific details to avoid inspiring copycat incidents. The Howell County Sheriff’s Office takes mental health crises very seriously and will always utilize every available resource to assist those in need.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to all agencies and individuals who contributed their time and efforts to resolving this situation. I am especially grateful to our dispatchers and deputies who dedicated themselves fully and were emotionally invested in helping what they believed to be a young person in crisis.
To the citizens of Howell County, I apologize for any delay in service or resources that may have occurred while our office responded to this incident.
Finally, to the individual who initiated this hoax: I urge you to reflect deeply on your actions. Mental health crises are real, and they are not entertainment. Please find another outlet for your time and attention, one that does not endanger lives or abuse the commitment of first responders.
Sheriff Matt Roberts
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