Friday the Asotin Police Department responded to a distressing incident involving a suspected “swatting” call.
According to a news release, Asotin Police were advised of an abduction in progress at an address in Asotin. It was reported a juvenile girl was being abducted from an address in Asotin through a burglary in progress prompting law enforcement to respond to the scene.
However, after investigation, it was determined that it was a swatting call—a malicious hoax intended to provoke a police emergency response to an unsuspecting individual or location. The phone number used was “spoofed”.
This is the second similar call involving a Swatting call in Asotin County and the City of Asotin within the past month.
Authorities say swatting is a dangerous form of harassment where an individual falsely reports a serious emergency—like a hostage situation, bomb threat, or active shooter—to law enforcement, prompting a rapid and often armed response. These calls are often made anonymously and can result in significant trauma, injury, or even loss of life, as well as the waste of valuable law enforcement resources.
Law enforcement agencies advise the public to be cautious of unexpected calls, especially from unlisted or unknown numbers. Never share personal or family information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity. And if you receive a threatening or suspicious call, contact local law enforcement immediately to verify the situation.
