‘Swatting’ call leads to law enforcement response in Boone County neighborhood

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Someone called in a fake threat on Wednesday, prompting law enforcement to respond to a neighborhood east of Highway 63, according to a Boone County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Deputies responded to a call in the 57000 block of East Trikalla Drive after a caller alleged that several people were shot at a residence, according to an email from Capt. Brian Leer of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

Leer said the fake call was likely made from someone not living in the state.

“Our deputies responded and made contact with the residents. It was determined this was a 'swatting' type call and it is believed the caller actually made the call from out of state.  We will continue to investigate,” Leer wrote.

"Swatting" occurs when someone makes a prank call or message to draw a surprise emergency response to an address. A similar call was made to the residence of former Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft last year.