Walla Walla Police Department responds to hoax
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Police Department responded to the 600 block of North Eighth Avenue Monday for a report of somebody who had just been shot. Officers quickly responded and found a quiet neighborhood. After a comprehensive investigation, the incident was determined to be a hoax.
Dispatch received a phone call on the local non-emergency line. The caller stated he had just accidentally shot his brother. While officers were en route, the caller stated his father was there threatening to kill him with a knife. The caller then told that 911 operator that he had just shot his father. As officers were arriving, the caller stated he had secured the firearm and was coming out of the front door with his hands up.
When nobody came out the front door of the specific address given, officers and dispatchers began working to confirm the address. Neighboring house were checked while dispatchers initiated an emergency phone ping. The homeowner of the address given was contacted and confirmed there was no problem at the house. The homeowner fully cooperated with law enforcement. The neighborhood was checked and no other problems were found. The phone ping came back to a cell phone tower in Colfax. Authorities determined this was a hoax.
WWPD reminds the public that making false reports of serioius incidents can divert critical resources from real emergencies and can endanger lives. Anyone with information about this false report is encouraged to come forward and contact WWPD.
