Police in Penn Yan and Seneca Falls say they will press charges against the person or persons responsible for two hoax active shooter calls last Friday.
The first call came to Yates County 911, claiming 14 people had been shot at the Hampton Inn in Penn Yan. At the same time, Seneca County 911 received a similar report about the Hampton Inn in Seneca Falls. Officers responded to both locations, but no evidence of a shooting was found.
“This practice is not only dangerous but also illegal,” said Seneca Falls Chief Timothy Snyder. “Swatting creates unnecessary chaos, diverts emergency resources, and puts innocent people at risk.”
In a post on social media, the Penn Yan Police Department commented on the broader issue, noting the department has responded to multiple false reports, including active shooter and bomb threat calls, over the past month. “All incidents have quickly been found to be false,” the chief said. “We are working with the NYSP Computer Crimes Unit and the FBI to determine who is making these calls. Anyone found responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Detectives continue to investigate the origin of the calls and urge anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
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