Police: Fake 911 report sends units out in force

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point police say they are investigating a fraudulent 911 call that sent multiple units to a home near Briggs and Prentice streets on Friday.

Portage Co. dispatchers received a 911 talk-to-text message from someone on Fourth Ave. who claimed he’d just shot his girlfriend and was now going to kill himself. Paramedics from the Stevens Point Fire Department were asked to stage nearby, and a medical helicopter was asked to remain on standby.

Lt. Steven Spath from SPPD said the call came in at 3:13 p.m. on June 10. Officers quickly responded and established a perimeter around the residence while an officer attempted to contact the resident but was not immediately successful.

While police were holding their perimeter, two different pizza delivery drivers arrived at the home. Officers were then able to talk with a resident, who was “not aware” of any 911 contact.

Spath said officers determined the incident was a case of “swatting,” a criminal harassment tactic of deceiving emergency services to another person’s address.

Swatting is considered a felony offense under Wisconsin law. Spath said the investigation is ongoing.

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Plover Police Department, and UWSP Police also responded to the scene.