Authorities with the Dowagiac Police Department arrested a local man over the weekend who is accused of lying to police about a home invasion incident he reported back in October.

Dameon Michael Ouert, 28, was arraigned on Monday for the following charges: possession of a firearm by a felon, false report of felony, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a felony firearm, maintaining a drug house, possession of marijuana, and lying to a peace officer.

According to police, Ouert’s arrest followed a search of his residence in the 300 block of Park Place was conducted at around 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. The warrant was issued following an investigation into a report the suspect had given police back on Oct. 12, claiming that the residence had been broken into, with several items having been stolen from the location, said Deputy Chief Jarrid Bradford.

“There were indications made to the officer that there were problems with the initial report,” Bradford said. “They continued to receive information that it was a false report.”

During the search of the residence made over the weekend, officers discovered several items in his possession that he claimed had been stolen. In addition, he was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, as well as a rifle and ammunition he was not authorized to own due to a prior conviction for carrying a concealed weapon.

While the investigation into the case is still ongoing, Bradford said there are several common reasons why suspects may falsify a home invasion report.

“Our suspicion in this case was that he was to trying to make a fraudulent insurance claim on those items he reported stolen,” Bradford said. “It will be up to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether he will be charged for that or not.”

Ouert is currently lodged at Cass County jail. He is also awaiting charges for an outstanding warrant from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.