On Sunday, August 18, at 4:22 p.m., a disturbing call came into Cape May County Emergency Management Agency reporting a homicide at a residence in the 7700 block of Dune Drive in Avalon.

The caller warned that responding officers could also be in danger. When officers arrived and conducted a thorough search, they found tenants on the property who confirmed that no such crime had occurred. The scene was declared cleared without incident.

The day before, Saturday, August 17, at 10:17 a.m., another false report of a bomb threat was sent to dispatch about a hotel near the scene of Sunday’s incident. Avalon Police, along with the Cape May County Sheriff’s Canine Unit, responded immediately. The hotel was searched, but no bomb was found, and the building was subsequently evacuated.

These prank calls, known as “swatting,” are designed to provoke a violent police response to nonexistent threats. The Avalon Police Department, in conjunction with the Cape May County District Attorney’s Office, is vigorously investigating these incidents and has issued a stern warning that anyone identified in connection with these swatting incidents will face severe legal consequences.

As part of their ongoing efforts to prevent such disruptive and dangerous incidents, the Avalon Police Department urges anyone with information regarding these prank calls to contact them at (609) 967-3411.