WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Weaverville Police Department is investigating a swatting incident that led officers to respond to a false report of an armed home invasion early Sunday morning.
Authorities said officers were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. on March 16 after a caller, claiming to be the homeowner, reported that he and his wife had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers found no signs of an emergency. A responding officer quickly identified inconsistencies in the report, allowing the situation to be de-escalated safely. Police later determined the incident was a case of swatting—a hoax in which false emergency reports are used to prompt a heavy law enforcement response.
Swatting incidents can be dangerous for victims, emergency responders, and the community, police said.
“This type of criminal harassment is not only distressing but can have serious consequences,” the department said in a statement.
Weaverville police said they are actively investigating the incident but did not release further details to protect the victims. Officials reassured residents that the case appeared to be a targeted act and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Weaverville Police Department.