A false report of a man who shot a woman at a home in Lake in the Hills prompted a heavy police response Wednesday evening as police investigate who made the call.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department responded around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday to the 1100 block of Heartland Gate for a report of a person shot.
A call was reportedly received stating that a man shot a woman at the home.
Lake in the Hills Police Department Sgt. Chad Riffe said officers determined it was a “swatting” call where false information was given.
Officers arrived on the scene and determined the residents and the residence were clear and safe.
Riffe said it was determined to be a fabricated telephone call and the origins of it are under investigation.
Police officials declined to release further information, including whether the department has experienced prior swatting calls at the same residence or in the nearby area.
“With this still being under investigation we can not release any further information other than there is no threat to the residents or the general public,” Riffe said.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a “swatting” call is when someone calls 911 while faking an emergency that draws a response from law enforcement.
“Needless to say, these calls are dangerous to first responders and to the victims. The callers often tell tales of hostages about to be executed or bombs about to go off,” the FBI said.
“The community is placed in danger as responders rush to the scene, taking them away from real emergencies. And the officers are placed in danger as unsuspecting residents may try to defend themselves,” the FBI added.
Last year, a swatting call was made containing a bomb and shooting threat at the Old Courthouse Center in downtown Woodstock, prompting evacuations and a large police response.