–Law Enforcement officials in Estherville say a phone call reporting a double-murder Monday afternoon turned out to be a hoax.
According to the Estherville Police Department, a call came in just before 4:30 PM Monday reporting a double homicide had taken place in the 300 block of North 15th Street. Officers from the Estherville PD and Emmet County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, and after conducting a brief investigation, determined no murders had actually occurred.
Officers conducted interviews with occupants of the residence to gather any information they could about the person who made the false report. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the FBI have been contacted to assist with the ongoing investigation.
False reports like this are called “swatting”, and can become dangerous for those in the area, as officers respond to the scene at a high rate of speed. If officers need to enter a residence, anyone inside could be placed in danger as officers try to secure the location under already tense conditions.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Estherville Police Department at 712-362-3515 or the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office at 712-362-2639.
