Hoax Call Prompts Lockdown at Arcadia Mall

Police determined the threat was unfounded after a search of the property.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:06am

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The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia, California was placed on lockdown on Wednesday evening after someone falsely reported having a firearm and threatening a customer. Police responded to the scene, searched the property, and determined the call was a hoax. No arrests were made, and normal operations resumed at the mall after the lockdown was lifted.

Why it matters

Hoax calls that prompt lockdowns and emergency responses can cause significant disruption and fear in the community, as well as divert law enforcement resources away from real threats. This incident highlights the need for vigilance against false reports and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure public safety.

The details

Police received a call just before 5 p.m. from a person who claimed to have a firearm and was threatening a customer at the Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia. In response, the Arcadia Police Department placed the shopping plaza under temporary lockdown as a precaution. Officers then searched the property and determined the call was a hoax. No arrests were made, and normal operations resumed at the mall after the lockdown was lifted.

  • The call came in just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The lockdown was implemented immediately after the call was received.

The players

Arcadia Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the hoax call and conducted the investigation.

Shops at Santa Anita

The shopping mall in Arcadia, California that was placed on lockdown due to the false report.

Crime Stoppers

The organization that initially received the hoax call and reported it to the Arcadia Police Department.

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What’s next

The Arcadia Police Department is continuing to investigate the source of the hoax call and is asking the public for any information that could help identify the caller.

The takeaway

Hoax calls that prompt emergency responses can cause significant disruption and fear in the community, highlighting the need for vigilance against false reports and thorough investigations to ensure public safety. This incident underscores the importance of the public remaining alert and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.