“Swatting” Call at Residence in Wilshire Division NR20195ma

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call for service at a residence in the 2100 block of Wellington Road.

Earlier today, around 8:53 a.m. Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Division police officers responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Wellington Road. The comments of the call advised there were 3 people being held hostage by a man with a gun in the residence. After the officers were able to verify the safety of the residents, the on-scene investigation determined the call was a hoax.

Officers completed a “swatting” crime report and Major Crimes Division will advise and assist with this investigation. The term “swatting” refers to someone who places a false emergency call for service, generally of a nature which causes a large police response. The “swatting” practice is dangerous and places the community and first responders in harm’s way.

Anyone with information is urged to call Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7280. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Tipsters may also visit ww.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.