Yarmouth Police were dispatched to a mock emergency for a “swatting” incident

SOUTH YARMOUTH – Responding to a disturbing 911 call, Yarmouth police raced to a residence late Tuesday night and determined it was a hoax, an act known as “swatting,” officials said.

The call came just before 10 p.m. in a whispering voice claiming a father had shot his mother and ended abruptly when the phone line went dead.

Police descended on the address given and found the house empty and dark, at odds with the dire situation described by the caller.

Despite repeated attempts to reach the caller again, the phone number was out of service and officers were at a dead end.

Neighbors and the homeowner confirmed that the house was not currently occupied.

“Swatting” calls like this, in which false reports of emergencies are made to trigger a violent law enforcement response, pose significant risks to public safety.

They can divert critical resources from actual emergencies, putting both officials and residents at risk.

Although this incident ended with no injuries, the department warns of the serious consequences of such pranks.