According to an update from the Greater Beloit Area Crime Stoppers, on Sunday, September 18 at about 2 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Keeler Avenue, where it was being reported that there was a gunshot wound victim and another victim being held at gunpoint. Once officers were able to secure the area, it was quickly determined that no crime had been committed and confirmed that this was a false swatting call incident.
“Swatting” is the act of making a prank phone call to authorities with the purpose of garnering a large number of armed law enforcement to a specific location where they believe a deadly crime is being committed. False reporting of these types of situations can be dangerous for both law enforcement and the public and ties up resources by taking officers off the streets. In this situation, the Beloit Police Department was able to rely on past training and critical thinking to review and respond to this hoax and will continue to implement training regarding these types of incidents for the future.
If you have information regarding this, or any crimes, contact Greater Beloit Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at (608) 362-7463.
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