False report lands Sandhill man in jail

MANCHESTER — One person is behind bars after allegedly making a false report claiming someone was shooting at his home and attempting to harm him and his family.
Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson reported that on May 3, 2025, Deputy Dustin Henson responded to a call from Clay County Dispatch regarding a distress message transmitted over a firefighter radio. The caller, identified as 30-year-old James Smallwood of Manchester, claimed someone was at his residence on Sandhill Road, firing at his house and dogs in an attempt to harm him and his family.Upon arrival, Deputy Henson made contact with Smallwood and his parents, who also reside at the home. Both parents stated that no such incident had occurred and that they had been present at the residence the entire time. Smallwood’s father told the deputy that his son appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis and insisted that the reported shooting had not happened.
After investigating the scene and interviewing those involved, Deputy Henson determined that there was no evidence to support Smallwood’s claims and that no shots had been fired.
Due to concerns about Smallwood’s mental health and the potential danger he posed to himself and others, he was placed under arrest without incident.
James Smallwood was charged with falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement and was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.