LOS ANGELES, CA – A large-scale police response to a reported active shooter threat at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital was later determined to be a hoax, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The March 12 incident, which triggered evacuations and a tactical sweep of the facility, is now being investigated as a swatting call — a false emergency report designed to provoke a heavy law enforcement presence.
Street People learned that the initial call to 911 came from an individual claiming to be inside the hospital and hearing voices instructing him to kill. The specificity and urgency of the threat led dispatchers to immediately alert deputies, who, along with units from neighboring agencies, responded to the facility on Anderson Street in Loma Linda.
SP obtained details indicating that law enforcement conducted a full sweep of the hospital, clearing every floor as the building was placed on lockdown. Medical staff and patients were temporarily relocated or sheltered in place as authorities searched for a suspect.
After approximately two hours, the all-clear was given. No shots were fired, no injuries were reported, and no suspect was found on-site. Sheriff Shannon Dicus later confirmed the incident was a swatting event, adding that investigators are working to identify the caller.
“Our deputies were inside the hospital within minutes of the call and cleared all levels. It was determined to be a swatting call,” the department said in a statement. “The investigation is ongoing. No suspect(s) have been located.”
According to insights reviewed by SP, swatting cases are growing more frequent, often targeting schools, hospitals, and public spaces. These hoaxes not only drain police resources but also inflict emotional distress on victims and disrupt critical services.
In the wake of the incident, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital issued a brief statement confirming the police response and deferring further comment to law enforcement: “Law enforcement has responded to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. It is an active investigation.”
SP came across communications indicating that digital forensics teams are working to trace the origin of the call, though no further details have been released publicly. Under California law, swatting is considered a criminal offense and may carry serious penalties, especially if it leads to significant public disruption.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the hoax to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
