CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A prank call led to a SWAT callout in an Oakleaf neighborhood on Friday morning, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said.
CCSO first alerted the community of the active police presence in the 1200 block of Harbour Town Drive just before 8 a.m. and asked people to stay out of the area.
The sheriff’s office said it received a report from a caller that a “violent incident” had occurred at the home and hostages may have been inside.
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When deputies arrived to the area, the information they received from neighbors prompted a further investigation. Based on the information they had at the time, CCSO called out its SWAT and negotiation teams.
Action News Jax was there when authorities asked for someone to come out of the home with their hands above their head. Some homes near the home in question were also evacuated.
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After at least three hours in the neighborhood, the sheriff’s office later learned that no one was inside the home, and the family that lives there hadn’t been there overnight.
“We made contact with a resident who allowed us to check the home to confirm that there was no incident at the home. It appears at this time the call concerning this incident was a prank. There is no threat to the neighborhood and no ongoing investigation into any criminal activity at the home we responded to today," CCSO said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office said it is working to learn who made the call that prompted the massive response and disturbance in the neighborhood.
“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office makes the safety and security of our residents our top priority and we stand ready to respond to any threat to our community,” CCSO said.
Action News Jax spoke with former FBI Agent Dale Carson who told us the caller could face up to five years in prison and have a charge of over $100.