Gun Shooting/Standoff Report A False 'Swatting' Incident: Simsbury PD

SIMSBURY, CT — Local police are investigating a Saturday afternoon "swatting incident" in town that started with a phone call reporting a person being shot and three municipal departments rushing to the scene.

According to the Simsbury Police Department, the town's 911 dispatch center received a call at 4:24 p.m. Saturday that someone was shot, with the caller claiming the shooter had a semi-automatic rifle.

The caller, who police said identified himself as the shooter, then said he shot a male in the home and was holding his mother hostage, police said.

Police then reported the caller claimed to be looking out a second-floor window and would shoot police upon arrival.

This prompted police departments from Simsbury, Avon and Canton to respond to the unidentified location as well as the Simsbury Fire Department and the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association.

"A quick and thorough investigation by the police led to the determination that it was a false report," Simsbury police said in a statement Saturday.

Police deemed the report a so-called "swatting incident" that didn't originate from the residence.

"There was no emergency or need for police, fire or ambulance services at the residence," police wrote in a statement.

"Swatting" is a known criminal act in which someone falsely reports a violent crime to cause a large response by police and emergency services, police said.

"This type of emergency services activity is alarming and dangerous to the public and the emergency responders," police wrote. "The Simsbury Police Department thanks the neighborhood for their help and cooperation.

"There was no actual violence or threat in the area. This criminal act is taken very seriously and is under investigation by the Simsbury Police Department."

Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Simsbury Police Department at 860-658-3109.