"SWATTING" Incident In Junction City Jeopardizes Lives And Safety

Junction City Police - 06/23/18 

On Friday June 22, 2018 at approximately 2:00 PM the Junction City Police Department received a call from an unknown male stating there were approximately 5 subjects in his home with guns and he had barricaded himself in his bathroom.

The Junction City Police Department, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Coburg Police department responded to the scene prepared to deal with a very violent situation.  Upon arrival police observed a vehicle in the driveway that was registered at that address.

Junction City Police dispatch was able to make phone contact with the owners of the vehicle, and residence, and determined they were in their home, were safe, and that no such incident had occurred.  With the owner’s permission officers searched and cleared the residence, confirming that incident was in fact false.

The Junction City Police department has determined this to be an incident of “SWATTING”, which is defined as an action of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.

This type of activity is incredibly dangerous for the public and police officers alike, and could ultimately result in the serious injury and/or death of innocent people.  The investigation into this incident is continuing.  Anyone with information on this event is requested to call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.