Hoax Active Shooter Call Delays Drumstick Dash: Police

ROANOKE, VA — A fake 911 call lead to police responding to a reported shooting at a hotel in downtown Roanoke early on Thanksgiving Day.

The caller told police there was an active shooter at the Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. NE, early on Thursday, according to a news release from the Roanoke Police Department. Additional officers, who were on duty for the planned Drumstick Dash in the downtown area, were able to quickly respond to the hotel.

Police searched the hotel and did not find any evidence of a shooting, authorities said. They also did not find anyone who'd been injured.

Police determined the call was likely a hoax, and there was no danger to those staying at the hotel or to anyone in the downtown area, according to the news release.

Police are continuing to investigate who made the 911 call and charges will file charges "as appropriate for making a false 911 call," according to authorities.

The start of the Drumstick Dash was delayed as officer investigated the incident but did end up proceeding as planned following the investigation, police said.