Authorities Investigating 'Swatting' Prank In Rice Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a "swatting" prank call reported a fake shooting and hostage situation at a Rice Lake residence.

On Friday at 7:36 a.m., the sheriff's office responded to a shooting and hostage complaint at a residence on the 4200 block of West Calvary Road in Rice Lake. When deputies contacted the homeowner and the two juvenile occupants at the house, they were unaware of the emergency call.

A search of the property and questioning of the occupants revealed the complaint was unfounded, the sheriff's office said.

"Swatting" is a type of prank call that attempts to elicit a police S.W.A.T. or tactical response to a high-risk situation. The sheriff's office says this is one of several in recent months received at the St. Louis County Communications Center.

Anyone with information regarding the caller, origin of the call or other details is asked to contact the sheriff's office's investigations division at 218-336-4350.