KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dozens of first-responder resources were needlessly deployed late Sunday night in Bates County, Missouri, after dispatchers received a “swatting” call.
According to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a call just before midnight Sunday regarding a possible shooting, which prompted first responders from several area agencies to respond to a residence in Butler, Missouri.
Authorities made contact with the homeowner and determined the call was a prank.
Investigators traced the original call to software that can block a caller’s number and location. A further investigation revealed the call might have come from Pasadena, California.
Investigators say they are working with federal partners to further identify the source of the swatting call.
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