‘Swatting’ report sends Winters police to false call before officers clear scene

A bogus “swatting” call sent police to a Yolo County home early Friday before officers determined the scene was safe, according to the Winters Police Department.

The false call came in just after midnight and described a violent scene on Valley Oak Drive, where a victim had been stabbed, another person had shot himself and someone had barricaded themselves inside the home.

“Swatting” refers to a false emergency report intended to draw a large law enforcement response to a location.

Officers responded and determined the report was unfounded. No injuries were reported. Police officials said Friday that such calls “are dangerous and divert critical resources away from real emergencies.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Winters Police Department at tips.winters@winterspolice.org or call dispatchers at 530-795-4561.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

916-321-1040

Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.