GRAND RAPIDS, MN — Grand Rapids police are investigating a false shooting report made Tuesday morning after a caller claimed someone had been shot near Old Central School. Officers and other law enforcement units responded to the reported emergency, but police later said there was no public safety threat tied to the call.

The Facts

• What: Police say they received a prank call reporting that someone had been shot near Old Central School.
• Where: The call centered on Old Central School in Grand Rapids, a historic building that houses local businesses and offices.
• When: The Grand Rapids Police Department received the call at 11:31 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.
• Who: The caller identified himself as “James” and spoke in a male voice with a heavy accent, according to police.
• Charges: Police have not announced any charges.
• Status: No public safety threat remains, and police said the caller had not been identified as of Wednesday morning.

What police say

The Grand Rapids Police Department said dispatchers took the call seriously and treated it as an active emergency. The caller claimed to have shot someone near Old Central School, but could not give a clear location when asked for more details.

Police said the caller appeared to realize officers were listening on the dispatch open line and then admitted the call was a prank. According to the department, the caller said, “I’m not going to lie to you, you know this is a prank call … I’m not going to continue … this is a waste of my time.”

Chief Andy Morgan said in an interview Wednesday that all available law enforcement units in the area responded when the report came in. He said sheriff’s deputies, city police, the Department of Natural Resources and state patrol personnel were among those who moved toward the scene.

“It’s truly unfortunate that this stuff even takes place in this day and age.”

Morgan said the hoax still caused harm because it pulled officers away from other work and consumed emergency resources. He said the department was still trying to identify the caller.

The investigation

Police have not said how the caller placed the call or whether investigators are using phone records, call tracing or other data to identify the person involved. The department’s Facebook post said the caller ID showed “Phantom,” which may be one of the first leads investigators review.

In cases like this, investigators often work from dispatch records, audio from the call, and any digital markers tied to the number or account used. Even when a caller hangs up or admits the report was false, law enforcement can still follow electronic records and witness accounts to build a case.

The department has said there is no ongoing threat to the public. No tip line or public request for information was included in the department’s statement, and police have not announced an arrest.

What the charges mean

If investigators identify the caller, possible charges would depend on what prosecutors believe happened and what state law allows. False emergency reports can be treated seriously because they trigger a large police response and can put the public at risk if officers believe an actual shooting is underway.

In general, a case like this can begin with a police investigation, move to a prosecutor’s charging decision, and then proceed through arraignment if charges are filed. At that stage, a defendant is usually advised of the accusation, enters an initial plea, and the court addresses release conditions or bond.

Even without a physical injury, a hoax emergency call can lead to serious legal consequences because the harm is measured not only by the false report itself, but also by the strain it places on first responders and the delay it can cause in real emergencies.

What happens next

Grand Rapids police said the investigation will continue as they try to identify the caller. As of Wednesday morning, the department had not announced any suspect, arrest or court date.

If police make an identification, the next steps would likely include a review by prosecutors and any formal charging decision. Until then, authorities say there is no public danger tied to the call.

Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).