Major Cape Cod Police Response A Result Of Swatting

YARMOUTH, MA — Yarmouth police officers announced that a major police response to a home in South Yarmouth was due to an act of swatting.

Police dispatchers received a call just before 10 p.m. from a caller reporting his father had just shot his mother, officials said.

"The caller was whispering on the phone and said he was downstairs in the house," police said. "As the dispatcher was obtaining more information from the caller, the phone line disconnected."

Multiple police units were dispatched to the address the caller provided, but, as they arrived, they found the house vacant and "in complete darkness." Officers spoke with neighbors and the homeowner, who said there was nobody currently staying at the house.

Dispatchers attempted to call the number back who reported the fake shooting, but the line was disconnected.

"At the conclusion of the call, officers determined this was an instance of ‘swatting’ or a prank call that makes it appear an emergency is coming from an actual address," police said.

They also explained why this is dangerous:

"Swatting is a dangerous form of harassment that sends first responders to an address due to false reporting. When this happens, the community is put at risk since many resources are directed to one location. If an actual emergency were to occur, the response could be delayed or directed to mutual aid, bringing potentially dangerous outcomes to those situations. In this incident, officers and residents were fortunate the residence was vacant. The Yarmouth Police Department commends the actions of the officers responding to this incident. Calls like this are another example of the dangers officers face daily. The successful outcome for this call was a direct result of the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of Yarmouth Police Department and their mission to keep our community safe."