Terre Haute, IN – A false emergency call sent to local authorities Sunday evening triggered a significant police response in southeastern Vigo County, according to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 5 p.m., when an emailed message to the Terre Haute Police Department claimed that harm had occurred inside a residence.
The information was forwarded immediately to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the home—later identified as the residence of Senator Greg Goode—after attempts to reach anyone inside were initially unsuccessful. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies ultimately made contact with those inside and confirmed that everyone was safe, secure, and unharmed.
Investigators determined the report was a false call, consistent with a deliberate “swatting” attempt, which involves falsely reporting violent emergencies to provoke a heavy law-enforcement response. Sheriff Derek Fell stated that such pranks are dangerous, waste emergency resources, and place innocent people at risk.
“This type of false call will never be acceptable,” the Sheriff said in the release. “Not only do they waste and reduce resources for deputies serving other parts of the county, they have a negative impact on victims and their families.”
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is working alongside federal authorities to identify the individual responsible for sending the false report. Officials say additional information will be released as the investigation moves forward.
Deputies are reminding residents to report any suspicious digital communications or threats to law enforcement immediately, especially as false reports and online hoaxes continue to rise nationwide.
No further details were released Sunday night.
