VISALIA, Calif (KSEE/KGPE) – A significant number of officers responded to a false report of an assault in Visalia on Friday, according to the Visalia Police Department.

Dispatchers got a call around 7 p.m. on a non-emergency line where a caller reported an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Visalia Police Department. Police say the individual said they were under the influence and accidentally shot their roommate in the chest.

As a result, officers rushed to a residence at the 2400 block of North Duke Street, according to police. Officials say that the caller said he was armed, would not put the gun down, and refused to leave the residence.

A significant amount of law enforcement arrived on scene and set up a perimeter, according to the department. Police were able to enter the residence and make contact with the people inside safely.

It did not take long at all for officers to determine that no one was hurt, no shooting had happened, and that the incident was an attempted swatting call, according to police. The investigation is ongoing.

“Swatting is not a prank. It is a dangerous criminal act that intentionally sends law enforcement
officers to an unsuspecting person’s home under false pretenses,” said the Visalia Police Department.

If caught making a swatting or false 911 call, you can face criminal charges.