Richmond Police Deal with “Swatting Incident”
RICHMOND, Ind.–A swatting incident was reported in Richmond Tuesday night. That’s a criminal hoax in which someone falsely reports a violent emergency to prompt a massive police response.
The Richmond Police Department said they got a call from a man around 5 pm. He said he was holding five Jewish people hostage at a home on Main Street. He also claimed to have guns and explosives. The man also screamed into the phone saying he had killed one hostage.
“Richmond PD officers responded immediately and began securing the area. They were quickly joined by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and Richmond Fire Department, which deployed a doctor equipped ambulance. As the situation escalated, Richmond PD’s SWAT Team and Drone Team arrived on scene. Negotiators, operating from Wayne County Emergency Communications, established contact with the caller. Out of an abundance of caution, nearby buildings were cleared with the help of the Randolph County SWAT Team. During the course of the incident, investigators became aware of a live webcam feed in the area. After the feed was terminated, communications with the caller noticeably changed,” said Richmond Police in a news release.
It was after that, they were able to determine the whole thing was a hoax. They were able to ensure the safety of the public in the area.
“Make no mistake, what happened today was not a joke. It was a calculated and dangerous disruption, and we responded with speed, coordination, and professionalism. The Richmond Police Department treats every single call for service as if it’s real, because protecting our community is not something we take lightly. Whether you’re across the street or hiding behind a computer halfway across the country, if you threaten Richmond, we’re coming for you. All information gathered during today’s incident will be forwarded to our federal partners at the FBI to help ensure pressure is applied and this individual is held accountable,” said Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly.
They say the incident remains active and ongoing.
Earlier this year, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 198, which increases penalties for those who commit the crime of swatting. Under SB 198, swatting is designated as a Level 6 Felony.
The maximum penalty for a Level 6 Felony in Indiana is a 2.5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
