Richmond Police Department investigating hostage hoax that occurred Tuesday night

RICHMOND, Ind. - Police are investigating a hostage hoax that was carried out along Main Street in Richmond Tuesday night.




According to a press release, officers with the Richmond Police Department received a disturbing call from an unknown male individual around 5 p.m. During the call, the individual claimed he was holding five Jewish people hostage in the 700 block of Main Street.




The caller also indicated that he was armed with firearms and explosives. At one point during the call, the subject claimed he had already killed a hostage.




After receiving the call, RPD officers swarmed the 700 block of Main Street and cleared civilians from the area with assistance from a Randolph County special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team. RPD also received assistance at the scene from the Wayne County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police and the Richmond Fire Department.




An ambulance staffed by a doctor and Richmond PD's SWAT and drone teams also responded to the scene. Negotiators made contact with the caller via the Wayne County Emergency Communications center.




As the situation continued to develop, police became aware of live webcam feed in the area. Officials ended up terminating the feed.




According to RPD, once the feed was terminated, communications with the caller noticeably changed. RPD ultimately determined that the call and alleged hostage situation were part of a hoax.




Police labeled the situation as a "swatting incident." RPD described swatting incidents as a "criminal hoax in which someone falsely reports a violent emergency to prompt a massive police response."




Earlier this year, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 198, which increases penalties for those who commit the crime of swatting. Under SB 198, swatting is designated as a Level 6 Felony.




The maximum penalty for a Level 6 Felony in Indiana is a 2.5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.




"What happened today was not just a prank, it was a dangerous and calculated act," RPD Chief Kyle Weatherly wrote in a prepared statement. "Because of the strong coordination between our department, neighboring agencies, and emergency services, we were able to respond swiftly, thoroughly, and with professionalism. If you threaten our community, whether from across the street or across the country, we will find you and hold you accountable."




RPD did not identify the suspected caller that instigated Tuesday night's SWAT response in its press release. It is currently unclear if police have been able to track down the individual responsible for the incident.




In a Facebook post, RPD indicated that Tuesday's SWAT situation lasted for more than three hours. Police reported that the situation was not resolved until around 9 p.m.




RPD is encouraging those with information on Tuesday's swatting incident to contact RPD at (765) 983-7247.





via: https://fox59.com/news/richmond-police-department-responding-to-active-situation-on-main-street/