By Allison Peck
BROKEN BOW — A reported shooting that prompted a significant law enforcement response and precautionary lockdowns in Broken Bow Sunday has been determined to be a possible swatting incident, according to the Broken Bow Police Department.
Officers were called to the 500 block of North F Street at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, following a report that a man had shot his sister inside a residence.
Because of the nature of the call, the Custer County Sheriff’s Office also responded. Officers established a perimeter around the residence while they investigated the report.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary measures at several locations in Broken Bow.
A football game at Broken Bow High School was interrupted, and players, families and attendees were directed to shelter while law enforcement investigated. Jennie M. Melham Memorial Hospital and the Becton Dickinson plant also implemented precautionary lockdown measures.
During the response, officers developed information indicating the call may have been a swatting incident.
According to the Broken Bow Police Department, swatting involves making a false report of a serious or violent emergency to law enforcement with the intent of generating a significant police response to a particular location.
Officers responded to the report as though the shooting could be real until the situation could be safely investigated. Officers ultimately determined the residence was unoccupied and confirmed there were no people inside.
Following the investigation, officers determined that the reported shooting had not occurred and that there was no ongoing threat to the community.
The Broken Bow Police Department thanked the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Bow Ambulance Service and Broken Bow Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance during the response.
The department also thanked students, families, school staff, hospital staff and community members for their cooperation and patience while precautionary measures were in place.
The investigation into the reported shooting and the circumstances surrounding the potential swatting incident remains ongoing.
Chief Chris Anderson issued the statement on behalf of the Broken Bow Police Department.