EAU CLAIRE — A Niles man is being sought in an alleged connection with a false report earlier this month that stated that there was a gunman at Eau Claire High School.

Following an investigation by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Justin Alen Bashore, 32, of Niles, is accused of false reporting of a felony. Authorities emphasized that the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent, until or unless he is proven guilty.

According to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, there is evidence to believe that Bashore placed the call to the Berrien County Public Safety Dispatch Center, stating that a male subject was in Eau Claire High School with a rifle. The statement was false and police said they are attempting to locate Bashore at this time.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:55 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, when the Berrien County Public Safety Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call from a male subject, stating that there was a teenage male in the bathroom of the high school with a rifle. The caller did not identify themselves and stated that his phone was losing power.

Police officers from the surrounding area responded to the possible armed subject in the school and a search of the building was conducted. At the completion of the search, it was found that there was not anyone in the building with a firearm and no one was injured. Students and staff were escorted out of the building so that parents were able to make contact with their children.

Those with information about the whereabouts of Bashore are asked to call (269) 983-3060.