Carrollton police force entry into apartment after receiving hoax call about shooting
CARROLLTON, Ga. - The Carrollton Police Department responded to a series of false emergency calls early Monday morning, which were later determined to be part of a dangerous hoax known as "swatting." The incidents unfolded at 200 Bledsoe Street, Apartment G-5, starting at approximately 1:34 a.m. Jan. 20, according to the police department.
What we know:
An unknown male initially called the police, claiming he had shot his mother. The call was transferred to 911, and officers were dispatched to the address. As officers were en route, dispatchers reported that the caller now claimed to have a gun to his head and threatened suicide. Given the severity of the situation, police forcibly entered Apartment G-5 upon arrival but found no evidence of a crime or suicidal individual.
In case the caller had provided incorrect information, officers widened their search to nearby apartments on Bledsoe Street with the assistance of Carroll County Sheriff's Office and Georgia State Patrol.
After being unable to make contact with the occupants of Apartment D-5, police contacted property management, who told them that the unit was vacant. Since lights were visible inside of the apartment, officers forced entry. Once inside, officers encountered residents who were safe but confused. After the situation was explained, the residents cooperated and expressed understanding of the officers' actions.
Later that morning, police determined the calls were part of a coordinated hoax. The individual responsible continued making false reports, including another call to a crisis hotline falsely alleging a murder at the same address.
What's next:
The Carrollton Police Department says it is treating this incident with the utmost seriousness. The police department says that deciding to force entry into a home is not a decision they take lightly, but its officers are trained to act decisively when potential lives are at risk. Swatting incidents not only waste critical emergency resources but also endanger innocent people.
The department is actively investigating the source of the hoax calls and intends to pursue charges against those responsible. Police expressed their appreciation for residents’ understanding and cooperation during the response.