Police Looking For Man Who Falsely Reported Shooting Family Members and Having Hostages

The San Marino Police Department received a “weird” call around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning from a man who said he had just shot his family members, had hostages and wanted a large sum of money and an escape vehicle at the 1200 block of Lorain Road, San Marino Police Department Lieutenant Steve Johnson told Patch.

The SMPD secured a perimeter around the home with the help of South Pasadena, Alhambra and San Gabriel Police Departments, but discovered no shooting or hostage situation had taken place.

“We obviously take that seriously,” said Johnson.

Johnson said the caller hacked an online account and was able to use a phone number from the Lorain Road home to make the phone call.

“The people living there did nothing wrong,” said Johnson.

Though the family at the Lorain Road home was “a little shaken up,” no one was injured and the family eventually returned to their home. 

The SMPD are following up on a few leads.