MEDIA RELEASE:

On Thursday, January 6, 2022, at approximately 8:15 PM, Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a property in the 19500 block of Keep Tryst Road, Knoxville, MD, for the report of two people having been shot and the suspect threatening suicide.

Multiple Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and surrounding agencies responded to this incident. While Deputies were still en route, a member of the Maryland State Police arrived at the property and advised the call could be a “swatting” incident. A “swatting” incident is a false 911 call reporting a serious incident to elicit a significant response from police and other emergency services.

Upon arrival, Deputies were advised that a live stream podcast was currently being broadcast. The property owner did not give Law Enforcement permission to enter the address without a warrant.

Given the exigent circumstances, a 911 call was made stating that two people had been shot and another was threatening suicide; Deputies advised they were going to check and address and confirm the safety of the occupants.

A check of the address was conducted, and it was verified that no one was hurt or threatening suicide. Upon completion of the check of the address, Deputies left the property.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office takes “swatting” incidents seriously; this incident remains under investigation.