For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 14, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Saugus Police Investigating Alleged “Swatting” Incident

SAUGUS — Chief Ronald Giorgetti reports that the Saugus Police Department responded to a report of a shooting that was determined to be a hoax and an attempt to elicit a large police response.

At 2:42 p.m., Saugus Police, Fire and Armstrong Ambulance were dispatched to 19 Pranker Road for a report that a resident had been shot, and that another resident was barricaded inside. The caller, who called Saugus Police’s non-emergency phone number, suggested that they had committed the shooting, and threatened to open fire on responding officers.

Saugus Police responded to the scene and established a perimeter. Around the same time, the homeowner was at the police station to report that their son had been threatened online and confirmed that nobody was inside the residence at the time.

Officers were granted entry into the home by the resident and confirmed that the residence was secure. Saugus Police did not have to force entry into the home, and no one was hurt during this incident.

Police were assisted on scene by the Saugus Fire Department, Armstrong Ambulance and the Lynn Fire Department.

“I commend the timely and measured response of our officers to this incident,” Chief Giorgetti said. “I also want to thank our partner agencies for their support.”

This incident remains under investigation by the Saugus Police Department.

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