A tense Monday morning in Queen Creek came to a calm end after what began as a potential bomb threat was revealed to be a hoax. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed that the report, which prompted an emergency response near Tangelo Avenue and San Tan Boulevard, was a case of “swatting.”
Deputies responded around 8:30 a.m. after receiving information suggesting that someone inside a nearby home possessed multiple explosive devices. The neighborhood was placed on alert as law enforcement secured the area and began their investigation.
By 10 a.m., MCSO announced that the situation had been resolved and that no explosives were found. Investigators later determined the report was entirely fabricated.
The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as a criminal act where someone makes a false emergency report — often about active shooters, hostage situations, or bombs — to provoke a heavy police or SWAT team response. Such incidents can be dangerous, costly, and traumatizing for both residents and first responders.
MCSO officials said they are continuing to investigate the source of the false report and reminded the public that swatting is a serious offense that can lead to federal charges.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the incident to contact MCSO as the investigation moves forward.
