SAUGUS — Saugus police responded to a report of a shooting Thursday afternoon that was determined to be a hoax and an attempt to elicit a large police response.
At 2:42 p.m., Saugus Police, Fire and Armstrong Ambulance were dispatched to 19 Pranker Road for a report that a resident had been shot, and that another resident was barricaded inside. The caller, who dialed the non-emergency phone number, suggested that they had committed the shooting, and threatened to open fire on responding officers, according to a statement from the department.
Saugus Police responded to the scene and established a perimeter. Around the same time, the homeowner was at the police station to report that their son had been threatened online and confirmed that nobody was inside the residence at the time.
Officers were granted entry into the home by the resident and confirmed that the residence was secure. Police did not have to force entry into the home, and no one was hurt during this incident.
Police were assisted on scene by the Saugus Fire Department, Armstrong Ambulance and the Lynn Fire Department.
“I commend the timely and measured response of our officers to this incident,”said Chief Ronald Giorgetti. “I also want to thank our partner agencies for their support.”
This incident remains under investigation by the Saugus Police Department.