GFPD & Warren County Sheriff’s Office Respond To Swatting Incident

On Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at approximately 5:45 AM, the Glens Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting and hostage situation at 19 Elm Street in the City of Glens Falls. The anonymous caller mentioned explosives were present at the location, and that the explosives could be detonated remotely… The caller also said that they would shoot at any police officer who responded to the location.

“Our police department, in tandem with the sheriff’s office, responded to the scene and blocked off the area around the building” stated Chief Jarred Smith.  “Once an entry was made into the building to evacuate those who were inside 19 Elm Street, it was determined that there was no evidence to substantiate the claims made by the anonymous caller… Also, the hostage mentioned by name by the caller was not home. In fact, this alleged hostage wasn’t even close to Glens Falls once they were located by investigators.”

“The good thing is nothing happened,” says Mayor Collins, “and the multi-agency response fell into place at a very early hour on a weekend morning… But this was a high-level response, which was completely unnecessary.  I want everyone to understand the seriousness of what happened, and that it won’t be tolerated.”

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information, please contact the Glens Falls Police at (518) 761-3840.