An Ajax man is facing criminal charges after allegedly making dozens of non-emergency 911 Calls , prompting multiple responses from Durham Regional Police and emergency services.
According to Durham Regional Police, the Ajax 911 harassment charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon, March 9, 2026, when dispatchers began receiving repeated calls to the emergency line that were not related to a genuine emergency situation.
Investigators say a total of 24 calls were made to 911 between approximately 3:50 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.. Police reported that the repeated calls tied up emergency communication resources that are intended for urgent situations where immediate police, fire, or medical assistance is required.
During the period of repeated calls, officers and paramedics were dispatched to an assist ambulance call around 6:35 p.m. at the intersection of Harwood Street and Station Street in Ajax. Emergency crews attended the location to check on the individual involved.
Police say officers and paramedics spoke with 24-year-old Devon Riley Real of Ajax at the scene. According to investigators, Real declined medical assistance when emergency personnel arrived. Officers also advised him that misusing the 911 emergency line when there is no actual emergency could result in criminal charges.
Despite the warning, police say the calls to 911 continued shortly after officers left the area.
As a result, officers returned to the residence later that evening and placed the suspect under arrest. Police confirmed that Real was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing.
Following the investigation, Devon Riley Real, 24, has been charged with mischief and harassment by means of repeated telecommunications.
Durham Regional Police say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing and additional information may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.
Authorities are also asking members of the public who may have information related to the case to come forward. Anyone with cell phone video, dashcam footage, surveillance recordings, or other information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Broome of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch.
Police can be reached at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2531.
Durham Regional Police are also reminding residents that 911 is strictly intended for real emergencies. Officials emphasize that misuse of the emergency line can delay responses to life-threatening situations and reduce the availability of emergency personnel for people who genuinely need assistance.
“Every 911 call that is not a genuine emergency takes up valuable time and prompts a response or assessment by emergency call takers that could be devoted to actual emergencies where life-saving measures are needed,” police said in a statement.
Authorities are urging residents to only call 911 when immediate police, fire, or medical help is required, ensuring emergency resources remain available for those facing urgent or dangerous situations.
