300 in Michigan respond to social media post promising free houses, cash -- but it's a hoax

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) — About 300 people showed up outside Highland Park City Hall in hopes of getting a free house and $100,000 in cash. They got neither.


The Detroit News reports (http://detne.ws/29s4FHZ ) Tuesday that the crowd responded Monday to a post on social media that advertised the giveaways as part of Black Independence Day.

Highland Park City Hall was closed Monday for the July Fourth holiday. The newspaper reports some in the crowd became upset and clashed with police after learning the offers were bogus.

Police in the Detroit enclave have arrested a man they say created the post on Facebook. Chief Chester Logan says the department is seeking a warrant against him.

About 11,000 people live in Highland Park. The U.S. Census lists its median household income at about $20,000.