SAVANNAH, GA (April 10, 2015): Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police seek the identity of the suspect responsible for a prank call resulting in a large scale tactical response by police and other emergency response agencies this afternoon.
At 12:10 p.m., Metro responded to a residence on the 7800 block of Johnny Mercer Boulevard, after a male caller alleged to police dispatch that he was armed with a gun and had hostages.
SCMPD initiated a full tactical response, including SWAT, hostage negotiators, K-9, Islands Precinct Patrol, Aviation, the Criminal Investigation Unit, members of the command staff, and Southside Fire and EMS. Johnny Mercer Road was closed to drivers from Highway 80 to Walthour Road.
Metro’s SWAT team made contact with a resident of the home, and was allowed inside to search the premises without incident. SWAT confirmed the residence was free of danger. The scene was subsequently cleared at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Metro Police Chief Joseph “Jack” Lumpkin stated, “Today’s response further justifies my confidence in the tactical efficiency of this department.” Lumpkin continued, “The person behind this hoax will be sought aggressively and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Metro continues to investigate. Anyone with information on this case should to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. A Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
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