Which scenario correctly describes a false report of a misdemeanor?

A false report of a misdemeanor occurs when an individual intentionally provides false or misleading information about a crime that has not occurred or does not align with the facts. This means that it reflects a purposeful act of deception regarding the events being reported. Deliberately lying about an event fits this definition perfectly, as it involves an individual knowingly communicating false information to authorities with the intent to mislead.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not align with the definition of a false report. Mistakenly reporting a theft, for instance, reflects an honest error rather than intent to deceive. Reporting a missing child is a serious matter, and doing so does not inherently constitute a false report unless the reporting individual knows the child is not missing. Similarly, a witness confirming accurate information indicates a truthful recounting of events rather than a falsehood. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the intentional nature of false reporting, distinguishing it from honest mistakes or truthful observations.