'Swatting' call results in huge response in Canyon Lake

Law enforcement officials prepare to leave a residence in Canyon Lake after an emergency call is found to be a hoax. Photo by Matt Liesemeyer

A call reporting a hostage situation in Canyon Lake Thursday drew a large response from police but turned out to be a hoax, authorities said.

A caller to the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line claimed he was holding hostages at gunpoint inside a residence, according to a new release. The person made allegations and demands of the police, resulting in a response of several units.

Menifee City Council member Matt Liesemeyer, who witnessed the scene, said at least 30 police officers responded. Investigators quickly determined that the call was a prank, however. The occupants of the residence were not involved and were unharmed.

This has been described as a case of "swatting", a term used in recent years to describe individuals who make prank calls to police claiming a dangerous situation in progress. In January, a California resident made such a call to police in Kansas and officers fatally shot a 28-year-old Kansas man. The suspect was identified and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

No further information on this case has been released.