Shots Fired

The call comes in as shots fired. A child called 911 to report the shooting. I was right around the corner and told dispatch to send me the call. I pull up on a side street near the house and black out the car, creeping to a stop. I get out and scan the neighborhood, no screams or gun shots. Everything is quiet. I spot the house down the block that I'm going to. I walk toward another parked car, keeping it between me and the house. The engine block can provide cover if someone starts shooting at me.

Still quiet, I move from the parked car and into some shadows along another house. There's stone walls in the yards I can duck behind if the bullets start flying. I'm scanning everywhere and picking spots I can get to that provide cover for me.

I finally reach the house and it's dark and quiet. Getting closer I discover it's empty. Nobody lives here.

Prank call.

I notify dispatch and get back to my car. As I'm getting in, another call is aired. A child has called shots fired and a man down with a gun shot wound (GSW) to the head. It's a different number than the prepaid cell phone that called in my call. But again with a child caller. And only the one call. Usually stuff like that will blow up the 911 lines from all the people calling in. We all suspect a prank call but can I justify taking my time to get there if it turns out real?

The lights and sirens come on and it's off to the GSW. Another officer pulls in seconds ahead of me and confirms there's nothing going on in the neighborhood. Nobody down on the ground. We all shut off our emergency equipment and I roll in at a safe speed. Security guards in the complex confirm they've heard no shots or seen any disorders or fights. It's cold out and there's nobody hanging around outside.

Another prank call from a prepaid cell phone.