WILLOUGHBY — A ‘swatting’ call about a murder led to the lockdown at UH Lake West Medical Center and the activation of the Western Lake County Emergency Response Team this morning.
At approximately 7:08 a.m. Thursday, Lake County Central Communications transferred a 911 call to the Willoughby Police Department. A male claimed to have shot and killed his girlfriend and stated he was going to kill himself. He provided the location of Willo Park Apartments on Euclid Avenue.
Willoughby officers responded, and the Western Lake County Emergency Response Team was activated. After nearly four hours, all buildings on the properties of Willo Park and Cedarwood Estates were thoroughly checked.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest a shooting occurred in the area, nor is there any indication of an active threat to the community,” said Detective Lieutenant Michael Sevel, Public Information Officer for the Willoughby Police Department. “The Willoughby Police Department believes this was a swatting incident; however, the investigation remains ongoing.”
The incident was determined to be a “swatting” hoax — a dangerous prank where someone makes false emergency reports to trigger a large police response, often including SWAT teams.
UH Lake West Medical Center, located on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby, was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure during the police response to the nearby apartment complex.
Police have not yet identified the caller or announced any arrests in connection with the hoax. The investigation continues.
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