911 Swatting Call Claims Fake Shooting In Montco, Alarms Cops

UPPER MORELAND, PA — Another swatting call hit southeastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday afternoon, alarming a region still reeling from last month's incidents.

The latest call occurred in Upper Moreland at around 1:40 p.m. Callers claimed that there were multiple gunshot victims on the 3500 block of Bartram Road.

First responders found no evidence of any injuries or an incident.

Police said that they believe the incident was related to last month's incidents and the recent surge in swatting calls.

"There were no injuries or threat to the public," Upper Moreland Police said in a statement. "This 'swatting' incident is believed to be related to a rash of similar 9-1-1 calls spanning several townships and schools in the area in recent weeks."

See also: Several Active Shooter Hoaxes In Schools Around PA, Police Say

An investigation is ongoing into the most recent call.

While swatting has been on the rise nationally for months, the most recent surge impacting Pennsylvania occurred over just a one to two day period in late March. Schools in counties across the state, including Allegheny, Philadelphia, Lehigh, Northampton, and others, received calls claiming that there was a shooter in a local school and that multiple students were shot, state police said.

"Responding to fake 911 calls not only costs communities money, it puts residents in danger by taking law enforcement and emergency service personnel away from real emergencies," State Sens. Vincent J. Hughes and Wayne Langerholc Jr. wrote in a co-sponsorship memorandum for a new bill addressing the crisis. "Police, firefighters and other first responders are also put in danger in rushing to the scene and through potential altercations with unsuspecting residents who may try to defend themselves."

Related: In Wake Of Fake School Shooting Calls, PA Eyes New Deterrent

Beyond those incidents, the “swatting" phenomenon has been increasing nationally over the last several months months. According to Education Week, a wave of the calls hit dozens of schools in at least six states in September, and has hit 40 states all told. In California, educators and advocates have been outspoken on the emotional and financial toll the hoaxes taken on children, teachers, and police.