Crime & Safety
Active Shooter Reported In Spotsylvania Was A Swatting Attempt: Police
Several first responders were called to a home in Spotsylvania on Tuesday for a reported active shooter. Police said the call was a hoax.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A report of an active shooter brought several first responders to a home in Spotsylvania on Tuesday, according to a report from Hyperbole. The report was a hoax as part of a swatting attempt.
Authorities confirmed that there was no threat and no injuries were reported.
Swatting is a phenomenon that originated among online gamers. It involves falsely reporting a serious or violent crime in an effort to draw a large police response against an unsuspecting person.
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No suspects have been identified in connection with the swatting call. Falsely summoning law enforcement can be a felony in Virginia. If convicted, the suspect in this case could face up to 5 years in prison.
The call came in around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the sheriff's office confirmed. A caller said up to four gunshots were fired at a home in the 6000 block of Waterman Drive.
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When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that there were no injuries.
Anyone with more information about the incident can call Spotsylvania Crime Solvers at 540-582-5822 or 800-928-5822.
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