Fake Shooting Call Shuts Down Culver City Mall

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A fake shooting call prompted a full police response and shutdown of the Westfield Culver City mall on Monday, with authorities determining the report was a swatting hoax with no actual threat. Meanwhile, a Santa Monica man faces life in prison after being charged in a violent sexual assault in Culver City and a separate incident in Westwood. In other local news, the Culver City High School robotics team, the Bagel Bytes, achieved a major accomplishment by earning alliance captain status at a recent district tournament.

Why it matters

The swatting incident at the Culver City mall highlights the disruptive and dangerous impact that false emergency calls can have on a community, tying up critical public safety resources and causing widespread fear and panic. The violent crime cases also raise concerns about public safety and the need for strong law enforcement response, while the robotics team's success demonstrates the impressive capabilities of Culver City students.

The details

According to police, officers responded quickly to the non-emergency call of a reported shooting at the Westfield Culver City mall on Monday. After a full search of the premises, authorities determined there were no victims, suspects, or credible threat, and the incident was classified as a swatting hoax. Meanwhile, a Santa Monica man is facing life in prison after being charged in a violent sexual assault in Culver City as well as a separate incident involving a UCLA student in Westwood. Investigators have described extreme cruelty in the Culver City case and are seeking higher bail, while also asking potential additional victims or witnesses to come forward. In a more positive local story, the Culver City High School robotics team, the Bagel Bytes, just competed at a district tournament in Glendale, tying for fifth place out of 37 teams and earning alliance captain status for the first time since 2012, a major achievement for the students and their mentors.

• On Monday, police responded to a reported shooting at the Westfield Culver City mall.
• The Santa Monica suspect was recently charged in the violent sexual assault in Culver City and a separate incident in Westwood.
• The Culver City High School robotics team competed at a district tournament in Glendale over the past three days.

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the swatting incident at the Westfield Culver City mall, and are seeking potential additional victims or witnesses in the violent sexual assault case.