Buffalo police department patrol Cruiser-stock photo

BUFFALO, NY – A man who reported a home invasion on Voorhees Avenue is now facing multiple felony charges after police determined the incident never occurred and instead uncovered drugs and a firearm in his possession.

Buffalo Police said the call came in shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, when a man claimed two burglars were inside his home and had fired at him. Officers from D District arrived to find the caller outside, who told them he had a gun in his pocket. Police recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.

A search of the man’s bag revealed suspected narcotics and paraphernalia, including about 7 grams of cocaine, 22.6 grams of crystal meth, 9.5 grams of fentanyl, clear baggies, and a digital scale.

Investigators later determined there was no home invasion. The caller, identified as Lance Martin, 44, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged with:

Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class B felony)
One count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (class C felony)
One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class C felony)
One count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (class D felony)
Two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia (class A misdemeanor)

Police noted the third-degree weapon charge applies because Martin has a prior conviction.

Key Points

A Buffalo man falsely reported a home invasion on Voorhees Avenue.
Officers recovered a loaded handgun and multiple narcotics, including cocaine, meth, and fentanyl.
Lance Martin, 44, faces multiple felony drug and weapons charges.

A bogus emergency call instead exposed a cache of drugs and an illegal gun.

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