Pennsylvania Man’s 'Joke' Text About Active Shooter Triggers Massive Police Response

A Pennsylvania man's attempt to get his wife's attention resulted in a massive police presence and neighborhood lockdown in Palmer Township Tuesday evening. Authorities say a text message claiming an active shooter was in an office building was actually a "joke" that went horribly wrong.

Officers from multiple jurisdictions raced to the 4100 block of Freemansburg Avenue around 5:15 p.m. after a woman called 911 to report her father was hiding under a desk. According to emergency audio, the daughter reported her father was texting her that an active shooter was in his building.

Sgt. Tyson Unangst of the Palmer Township Police Department noted that the response was extensive, with neighborhood streets blocked off and officers searching properties to ensure the entire area was secure. However, the tension broke when the father eventually told dispatchers he was already home and the situation was a false alarm.

The man reportedly told authorities the text was a joke played on his wife because she was not answering her phone. While the family declined to comment on the record, local police emphasized the danger of such hoaxes.

"This is a serious matter," Sgt. Unangst said. "There have been numerous active shootings across America and we take this very serious. You are disrupting the community... people may not be able to get to their houses."

Police noted that the false alarm diverted valuable resources from other potential emergencies for nearly an hour. Despite the disruption, the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and announced that no charges will be filed at this time.

Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.