PETALUMA, CA — A man who reported a shooting, an injured elderly woman, and an armed suspect threatening police with explosives strapped to his body triggered a major police response involving drones, bomb squad, and a false "swatting" report.
The caller said he was speaking by phone with a man who claimed he was inside the home, according to Petaluma police.
The man said he had a gun and that an elderly female family member was injured. He later claimed he had shot her, threatened to shoot if police arrived, and said he had an explosive device strapped to his body, police said.
Officers surrounded the home, restricted access to Danby Court, and issued a community safety notification. Petaluma firefighters staged nearby while police deployed a drone and worked to verify the caller's claims.
Officers contacted the homeowner, who was away, and then reached the elderly woman inside by phone. She walked outside unharmed and told police she was the occupant.
Police searched the home and found no armed person, injured victim, or explosive device. No injuries were reported.
Investigators determined the report was false and said the circumstances were consistent with "swatting," in which someone makes a false report of a violent emergency to trigger a major police response at an unsuspecting person's location.
Police resolved the incident at about 8 p.m. and canceled the community notification.
The Petaluma Police Department is investigating the source of the report. Anyone with information is should contact police.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Petaluma Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.