(WHTM)– Police responded to a swatting incident at a York County Walmart Thursday evening, according to officials.

Newberry Township Police stated that a call was received by dispatch around 6 p.m. from a person saying that they shot someone, took someone hostage, and placed bombs around the Walmart located in Newberry Township. Police say that shots could be heard in the background of the call.

Officers arrived at the Walmart and evacuated the store while they searched for the threat. Police state that a thorough search revealed that the report was falsely reported.

The police treated this as if it were a credible/real call and followed the proper procedures to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and bystanders.

Chief Steven Lutz said, “He basically terrorized these individuals that were patrons of Walmart as well as employees. Our agency will do everything we can to try to find the identity of this individual.”

The Newberry Township Police Facebook page states that they were assisted with Fairview Twp. Police, Carroll Twp. Police, PA State Police, York Co. Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and multiple fire police and EMS units.

The department’s Criminal Investigations Unit has taken over the investigation.

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