OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn (WOKI) — The Oliver Springs Police Department says a large police presence on Bennett Road was the result of what investigators believe was a “swatting” incident.
According to police, officers responded after receiving a report of a potentially serious incident at a residence in the area. A thorough law enforcement response was launched to address the situation and ensure the safety of those involved.
After officers arrived and investigated, authorities determined that the residents were unharmed.
Preliminary findings indicate the call was likely a swatting incident, a term used to describe a deliberately false emergency report designed to trigger a significant police response to a location.
Police say these incidents are treated as serious crimes because they can place innocent people, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders in danger while diverting resources away from legitimate emergencies.
The investigation remains active.
The Oliver Springs Police Department is working in partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine who was responsible for the false report.
Because the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released additional information about the call or the circumstances surrounding it.
Police are asking the public to remain patient as investigators continue their efforts to identify those responsible.
