St. Charles man charged after joke kidnapping text prompts investigation
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
A west suburban man was charged after allegedly texting a friend Friday as a joke, to say that he was kidnapped and to contact police.
Matthew Barker, 23, of the 34800 block of South James in St. Charles, was charged with a felony count of disorderly conduct for a false report of offense, Chicago police said.
Barker allegedly texted a friend, "I've been kidnapped. Call police," according to court documents.
The incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. Friday, police said. After unsuccessfully attempting to contact Barker, his friend contacted police, who began a multi-unit investigation.
Several hours later, when Barker was found safe and unharmed, he told police he sent the text as a joke, police said.
Barker was then placed into custody, police said.
Barker, a musician, was released Sunday on a $10,000 recognizance bond, according to court documents. Barker is expected Dec. 21 in Northwest Felony (Br. 50) court.
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