News Releases

Police Identify Caller in Montgomery Village Swatting Incident

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 30, 2026

Gaithersburg, MD — The Montgomery County Department of Police has identified the source of a swatting call that prompted a large police response to a reported shooting in Montgomery Village in September of 2025.

 

On September 9, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m., 6th District officers responded to the 19100 block of Montgomery Village Avenue for the report of a shooting in progress. Officers already in the area did not hear the sound of gunfire and were not able to locate a caller at the scene. Further investigation determined the call was originating from a moving school bus.

Based on that information, officers conducted traffic stops on multiple school buses in the area to locate the source of the call. The incident resulted in a significant police response and caused traffic disruptions while officers worked to ensure public safety.

On Tuesday January 27, 2026, detectives assigned to the Threat Assessment & Behavioral Solutions Unit identified the caller as a 12-year-old student.

Swatting and prank calls are taken seriously given the potential danger to the public and responding officers; however, Maryland law prohibits criminal charges from being filed against the 12-year-old girl in this case.

The incident diverted officers from other calls for service and disrupted traffic in the area. School administrators were notified, and disciplinary action was taken by the school.

 

The Montgomery County Department of Police reminds the public that false reports of violent crime can create dangerous situations, place an unnecessary strain on emergency resources and impact the community at large.

 

 

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Release ID: 26-044
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: traffic-safety , uncategorized