MARINE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After a swatting incident in Marine City on Sunday, April 12, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents that fake emergency calls aren’t harmless pranks – they are crimes with very real consequences.

Swatting – calling in false emergencies to trigger a police response – can quickly spiral into dangerous territory. Nessel warned in a recent press release that these calls divert law enforcement from real crises and can put lives at risk.

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According to WDIV-Detroit, police responded to what was believed to be a hostage situation in St. Clair County on April 12 after a caller demanded a $50,000 ransom.

Nessel addressed the incident in a press release the following day, saying, “Swatting is not harmless. It is a serious crime that can lead to dangerous situations and divert law enforcement away from someone facing an actual emergency. What callers may believe to be a ‘joke’ actually risks the public safety of our communities and can carry lifelong consequences for those responsible.”

Law enforcement is now on the hunt to find out who made the fake report. An official on scene told the news outlet, “There’s a lot of resources here…It’s a giant waste of resources that could be out in the public helping other folks who may be hurt or injured or need some sort of service and that can’t be provided. It’s on hold right now because we’re doing this.” The incident also put the community under a “shelter in place” order for several hours.

From “just kidding” to jail time.

The caller remains at large as authorities investigate. Swatting is a serious crime in Michigan, carrying felony penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $20,000, especially if injuries occur. What begins as a “joke” can endanger lives and leave the perpetrator with a permanent criminal record.