Swotting event on Queensdale | Photo: WSOC Facebook

Aug. 1. A prank 911 call yesterday afternoon resulted in a massive police response and fear among neighbors on Queensdale Drive, just off Bethel Church.

“Swatting,” the practice of making phony calls with threats of violence such as a bomb, a hostage situation, or a shooting to trigger a law enforcement response, is a crime.

“It was quite scary for neighbors, primarily not knowing the details,” said Todd Sansbury, a Queensdale resident and member of the Cornelius Town Board.

While it was terrifying—Cornelius Police responded bearing AR-15s, and the Fire Department and Huntersville PD responded as well—Sansbury said it was a very professional and comprehensive response.

Here’s what police said happened after the 911 call was received:

Officers responded quickly and set up a perimeter of the house. As details unfolded and intel was gathered, we were able to make contact with the homeowner and her son. Officers spoke with the female at the residence and it was evident this was a “Swatting Call.” No one was shot, no injuries and no crime at the residence took place.

Detectives are on the case.

Todd Sansbury

Quotable

“My hope is that the source of this event will be identified and someone will be held accountable,” Sansbury said. “I’m so proud of our local CPD and this reinforces the continued need to support them financially and socially.”