Fake hostage reports, armed threats cause hours-long standoff in Richmond

Accident or crime scene concept - flashing police lights Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK (Douglas Sacha/Getty Images)
(Douglas Sacha/Getty Images)

RICHMOND, Indiana — Authorities blocked parts of Richmond Tuesday evening after receiving a “disturbing call,” according to a spokesperson with the Richmond Police Department.

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Officers responded to reports of a hostage situation in the 700 block of E Main Street around 5:00 p.m.

An unknown male claimed that he was holding five Jewish hostages and said he was armed with guns and explosives, the spokesperson said.

The caller added that he had already killed one of the hostages, the spokesperson added.

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Richmond police responded and quickly secured the area.

Wayne County Sheriff’s Department deputies, Indiana State Police, and the Richmond Fire Department also responded to the scene shortly after.

The Richmond Police Department’s SWAT Team and Drone Team arrived on scene as the situation escalated, the spokesperson said.

Negotiators with Wayne County Emergency Communications eventually got in contact with the caller.

Out of an abundance of caution, the SWAT team cleared nearby buildings.

“During the course of the incident, investigators became aware of a live webcam feed in the area. After the feed was terminated, communications with the caller noticeably changed,” the spokesperson said.

Investigators determined that this was a swatting incident.

However, officers continued clearing the area to make sure the public was safe, the spokesperson said.

The Richmond Police Department posted on social media that the incident was resolved around 9 p.m.

This incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information relevant to this incident is asked to contact the Richmond Police Department.

“Make no mistake—what happened today was not a joke. It was a calculated and dangerous disruption, and we responded with speed, coordination, and professionalism. The Richmond Police Department treats every single call for service as if it’s real, because protecting our community is not something we take lightly. Whether you’re across the street or hiding behind a computer halfway across the country—if you threaten Richmond, we’re coming for you. All information gathered during today’s incident will be forwarded to our federal partners at the FBI to help ensure pressure is applied and this individual is held accountable.”

—  Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said

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