When someone calls 911 and reports a fake bomb threat, hostage situation or murder, and uses someone else's address, it's called "swatting." It's no joke and can cause dangerous and serious circumstances. Luckily, no one was harmed during a swatting call in unincorporated McHenry County.

According to WREX, someone in that area called 911 claiming a young person had three family members held hostage and would begin shooting if a ransom wasn't paid before hanging up. Authorities looked into the situation before sending out a SWAT team but the call still tied up law enforcement officers.

... deputies and Johnsburg Police Department made contact with people in the home and found out everyone was fine and there was no hostage situation. The incident tied up 15 sheriff's deputies and police for about 2 hours.

McHenry County's Sheriff Department don't know who made the call but anyone with information is encouraged to call their office at (815) 338-2144, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-762-STOP (7867).

[H/T WREX]


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