'Prank' Shooting Call Leads To School Lockdown In Batavia: Police

Batavia IL

11 February, 2021

3:21 PM

Description

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia police are investigating a "prank" call about a shooting that prompted a lockdown Thursday at two public schools in the city. At 12:56 p.m. Thursday, a caller reported multiple people had been shot at a single-family home in the 600 block of Hart Road, Batavia police said in a news release. Kane County Positivity Rate Drops To 4-Month Low Two nearby schools in Batavia Public School District were immediately placed on a "soft lockdown" and residents in the area were told to stay inside, the release states. Officers quickly learned no one was injured in the area of the reported shooting and determined the call was a hoax, according to the release. Police said they are investigating the prank call as a "swatting incident" and are searching for the caller. Batavia Moves Forward With Zoning Plan For Marijuana Dispensaries "Swatting" is a cyber crime that can put innocent people in danger from police SWAT teams in their own homes, often committed by strangers hundreds of miles away. Hackers trick 911 operators and systems into deploying police tactical and SWAT response to a home to investigate an alleged dangerous situation, such as a shooting or hostage situation. REGIONAL NEWS: Illinois To Vaccinate People With Health Risks During Phase 1bVeterans Can Get Coronavirus Vaccine Saturday In North Aurora50% Of Officers Rejected Coronavirus Vaccine: Kane Co. Official10K Fully Vaccinated Against Coronavirus In Kane County