(St. James, MN) – Charges have been filed against a St. James man who allegedly falsely reported a shooting, only to be discovered with meth on his person.

Thirty-nine-year-old Benjamin Patrick Knowles was charged Monday in Watonwan County Court with two counts of felony drug possession, misdemeanor falsely reporting a crime and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a report of a shooting at Park Apartments in St. James.  When they arrived on scene, Knowles told them the shooting had taken place in apartment 409, according to the complaint.  The occupant of 409 told police there had been no shooting and allowed them to search the apartment.

Knowles denied to investigators that he had made the 911 call.  The patted down a drawstring bag Knowles was carrying because he had made a report of weapons, according to the complaint.

Knowles complained of heart issues and was transported for medical attention.  After he was medically cleared, he was detained and his drawstring bag searched.  According to the criminal complaint, officers found meth, syringes, a spoon, and other paraphernalia related to intravenous drug use.

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