Heavy police response in Racine County determined to be hoax

STURTEVANT, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A large law enforcement presence in Racine County on Friday, March 27, has been cleared after investigators determined the situation was a hoax.

Deputies responded to the area near Highway 11 and 99th Street in Sturtevant shortly after 11:20 a.m. following a call reporting explosives, firearms, multiple victims, and possible hostages. 

Dispatchers also indicated they could hear screaming in the background, prompting an urgent and significant police response.

Authorities blocked off roads and began searching nearby businesses as they worked to locate what they believed could be an active and dangerous situation.

However, after investigating the scene, deputies found no victims and no evidence of any crime.

Officials now say the incident was a “swatting” call - a false report designed to trigger a large-scale emergency response from law enforcement.

Residents in the area described the scene as unusual for the typically quiet community.

“There would be cops and a few minutes later there would be more cops,” said Justin Sirell, who has lived in the area for seven years. “You could just tell they were in a high pursuit to get here. You don't really ever see any of this in Sturtevant it’s really quiet. I was shocked that the whole Highway 11 was closed.”

Authorities have since reopened Highway 11 and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

STURTEVANT, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A call claiming there were explosives near Highway 11 and 99th Street in the Village of Sturtevant on Friday, March 27, was determined to be a swatting incident. 

According to the Racine County Sheriff's Office, the call came in just after 11:15 a.m. The caller stated there were firearms involved, three people were dead, and hostages were being held. The dispatcher, according to officials, also reported hearing screaming in the background during the call. 

The sheriff's office responded to the scene along with multiple other agencies. 

An extensive search of the area uncovered nothing; no victims were located and there were no signs of criminal activity. 

The report was later determined to be a false reporter, commonly known as a "swatting" incident.