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| Erie Police confirm a false hostage call at Erie Insurance Arena on June 30 was a swatting hoax. The arena was evacuated. Investigation underway to trace the caller. |
🔑 Key Points
- False hostage situation at Erie Insurance Arena sparks evacuation.
- Incident confirmed as a swatting hoax on June 30.
- Police investigating links to previous swatting reports in Erie.
False Hostage Report at Erie Insurance Arena Confirmed as Swatting Hoax; Police Investigating Source
Erie, PA — A fake hostage call to Erie Police on the afternoon of June 30 triggered a massive law enforcement response to the Erie Insurance Arena, leading to evacuations, lockdowns, and street closures in downtown Erie. The incident, later confirmed as a swatting hoax, is now under active investigation by local authorities.
🚨 Heavy Police Presence Over False Hostage Situation
The call came in at 4:50 p.m., when someone contacted the Erie Bureau of Police front desk claiming there was an active hostage situation inside the arena, located at 809 French Street. Acting swiftly, officers surrounded the venue, evacuated about 20 individuals, and blocked surrounding streets to secure the area.
“We took it very seriously,” said Deputy Chief Rick Lorah. “A large amount of officers responded. Our priority was ensuring everyone’s safety.”
🕵️♂️ Investigation Unfolds Quickly
Within an hour, officers determined the emergency was fake. Once inside the arena and after quickly tracking the phone number linked to the call, police realized it was a hoax — part of a dangerous trend known as swatting.
Deputy Chief Lorah revealed that the phone number used in the hoax had been involved in a similar previous incident, though further details have not been released.
🗣️ Police Chief Dan Spizarny Speaks Out
Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny confirmed the investigation is ongoing. “The caller wasn’t where he said he was,” Spizarny noted, suggesting that the call was made from an off-site location. Two detectives are currently assigned to track the source of the call.
The scene was cleared by 5:40 p.m., after officers confirmed there was no real threat.
⚠️ What is Swatting?
Swatting refers to the act of making a false emergency report, often claiming violent crimes like hostage situations, to dispatch large numbers of police, including SWAT teams, to an unsuspecting location. It’s a dangerous prank that has become increasingly common across the U.S., including multiple recent cases in Erie County.
In Pennsylvania, making a false report to law enforcement is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. More severe charges may apply if the hoax results in injury or significant disruption.
🏟️ Response from Erie Events
Gus Pine, Executive Director of Erie Events, which oversees Erie Insurance Arena, praised the quick response by law enforcement.
“Erie Events initiated lockdown procedures, and after the arrival of EPD, the incident was confirmed to be a false alarm,” Pine stated. “The safety of our staff and patrons is always our top priority. We appreciate the quick response and professionalism of the Erie Police Department in handling the situation.”
🔍 Swatting on the Rise Nationwide
This incident adds to a growing list of swatting cases both locally and nationwide. Experts note that the trend has surged in recent years, posing significant risks to public safety and straining emergency resources.
📢 Ongoing Investigation
Police have not yet released any suspect information but confirmed that efforts to trace the caller are underway. Authorities warn that those responsible for such hoaxes will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Key Takeaways:
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False hostage report at Erie Insurance Arena on June 30.
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Incident confirmed as a swatting hoax; the arena was evacuated.
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Police linked the phone number to a previous similar hoax.
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Investigation ongoing; two detectives are working to trace the caller.
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Swatting is a serious crime in Pennsylvania with legal consequences.
