Kennewick Police Respond to Swatting Hoax Near Middle School

No evidence of shooting found after false report near empty campus during spring break

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a police radio or other law enforcement equipment, the harsh flash illuminating the textured surface and creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of responding to a swatting incident.A police response to a false emergency call highlights the ongoing challenge of combating swatting hoaxes that divert critical resources.Kennewick Today

Kennewick police responded to a reported shooting near Highlands Middle School on Thursday, but determined the call was a 'swatting' attempt, with no evidence of anyone being wounded. The school was empty due to spring break, and police used a drone and searched the area on foot but found no signs of an actual incident.

Why it matters

Swatting incidents, where false emergency calls are made to provoke a large police response, pose a danger to the community and divert valuable law enforcement resources away from real emergencies. This case highlights the ongoing challenge for police to respond appropriately to such hoaxes while ensuring public safety.

The details

An unknown caller told dispatchers that a person had been shot in the backyard of a home near the east side of the middle school's ball fields. When officers arrived, further investigation led them to believe the call was fake. Police used a drone to check surrounding yards and searched the area on foot, but found no evidence of anyone being wounded.

  • On Thursday around 11:30 AM, police received the call about a shooting near Highlands Middle School.

The players

Kennewick Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the reported shooting and determined it was a swatting hoax.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Kennewick police will continue to investigate who made the false report in order to determine if any charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance against swatting hoaxes, which can divert critical police resources and potentially endanger the public if not handled properly.