A heavy law enforcement response to a residence on Nicklaus Drive in Clinton at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening after a 911 call reported gunshots and a bomb threat — a situation that was later determined to be a swatting hoax.
The Clinton Police Department was the first to respond to the alarming call, which claimed shots had been fired and a bomb was present at a residence in the area. Due to the serious nature of the threat, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were also dispatched to assist.
Officers secured the area and conducted a thorough investigation, only to determine there was no credible threat. Authorities quickly identified the incident as a case of “swatting,” a criminal act in which a false emergency is reported to provoke an armed police response.
Clinton Police Caption Paul Abbott confirmed that no one was injured during the incident and that the residence targeted in the call was not home or connected to any criminal activity.
The investigation into who placed the false 911 call is ongoing. Swatting is a felony offense under Missouri law and can carry severe penalties, including prison time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clinton Police Department.
