Huntington Beach Police Department patrol officers responded to a residence on Red Jacket Circle Monday morning following a report of shots fired. The caller claimed an unknown male had shot his mother and young sister and was armed with a rifle and suicidal.

Officers responded, formulated a tactical plan, and made contact at the residence. Investigators determined that no crime had occurred—the call was a swatting incident, a dangerous hoax in which false emergency reports prompt large law enforcement responses under false pretenses.

The residents at the Red Jacket Circle address were unaware of the call and had no knowledge of why their residence was targeted. Detectives are continuing to follow up on the incident.

Swatting diverts critical emergency resources from real calls for service, places innocent residents and first responders at significant risk, and can result in serious injury or worse. Making a false emergency report is a crime under California law and may result in felony charges.

HBPD reminded the public that while reporting suspicious activity is encouraged, making hoax emergency calls is criminal and dangerous.