False Report Of Multiple People Shot, Active Shooter In Norman Presents Danger To Community

A threatening 911 call to police sent them rushing to respond to a mass murder and an active shooter Tuesday afternoon in Norman, but that’s not what they found on scene.

Instead, Norman Police Department Major Brent Barbour is now warning against the dangers of false reports. 

Related: 'False Call' In Norman Startles Quiet Neighborhood

“The caller indicated that there had been multiple fatalities, and that a suspect would be awaiting our arrival with plans to engage officers in a violent way,” Barbour said. 

A call to the police department’s non-emergent line alerted Norman officers to multiple people shot around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at a northwest Norman home.

A shooter inside was said to have been ready to engage with police. Officer secured the neighborhood around the home.

“They’re coming up and down like a movie, SWAT Team type of thing,” resident Silas Hodgen said.

Aerials from Bob Mills SkyNews 9 showed a heavy police presence at the home. The incident lasted for more than an hour. 

“Police, mainly walking up and down the street, armed and then going back and forth,” area resident Jeffrey Hodgen said. “And seeing the SWAT officers, as well. It was concerning.”

Barbour said police are working to trace the caller, which can take some time to pinpoint. 

“Sometimes, we get these calls and there’s some sort of history with somebody, more of a prank or harassment type thing,” Barbour said. “That doesn’t appear to be the case with this one, so that relationship, if there is any, or the complete randomness, is still one of the elements we’re looking into.” 

If the caller is identified, they could face charges. 

“There are charges all the way up to potentially terrorism-type related things, creating a hoax and concerns in relation to scaring somebody,” Barbour said. 

Police said false reports of a critical incident endanger “a lot of people.” 

The investigation is ongoing.