MAN AT CENTER OF HOSPITAL FALSE ALARMS GOES TO COURT

The ex-con accused of making two false active shooter reports that shut down Bakersfield Memorial Hospital this week and Mercy Southwest four months ago has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Police say Mario Thompson pretended to be a security guard and tried to take part in their investigation when he was caught during Tuesday’s incident at Memorial. They also say he impersonated a police officer when talking to security staff.

Thompson is said to have had a pellet gun, pepper spray, illegal prescription medication, and security badge on him at Memorial.

Kelli Pierce