Gunshot Report In Lambertville Turns Out To Be 'Swatting' Call

File photo.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com

City of Lambertville police responded to a “swatting” incident recently after a false report of gunshots.

Officers arrived at the home of an elderly couple on Clinton Street at approximately 1:18 a.m. on Jan. 22 after receiving a report of shots fired, according to police.

At the scene, officers determined the call was a hoax, police said.

Police believe the call was a “swatting” incident. Swatting situations are designed to draw a large police response.

The call originated from a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) number that could not be traced, said police Lt. Robert Brown, the city’s officer-in-charge.

“The officers responded suspected it was a swatting incident as soon as they arrived on scene,” Brown said.

Sgt. Mike Gramlich is investigating the case.

The FBI has publicly warned about the dangers of swatting and explained that the calls often result in officers arriving with weapons drawn, potentially endangering law enforcement and unsuspecting residents.

The Economist, citing a former FBI expert, estimated in 2019 that there were more than 1,000 swatting incidents nationwide that year. The FBI began tracking swatting incidents in 2023.

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