Garfield Swatting Hoax Triggers Massive SWAT Response
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
GARFIELD, NJ – A quiet Saturday afternoon in a Bergen County neighborhood turned into a scene of chaos on February 21, as a “swatting” hoax involving claims of a double homicide and a gasoline-soaked crime scene forced residents into lockdown.
The Garfield Police Department, supported by regional tactical units, swarmed Sampson Street after a caller made a series of chilling, false claims that put an entire community on edge.
The Chilling Call: A Fake Double Homicide
At approximately 4:20 p.m., the Bergen County Communications Center received a high-priority call. The individual on the line claimed to be inside a home on Sampson Street, armed with a firearm.
According to Garfield Police Capt. Mario Pozo, the caller alleged he had:
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Murdered his mother and shot his father.
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Poured gasoline on their bodies.
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Planned to open fire on any police officers who arrived at the scene.
Emergency Response: Sampson Street Placed on Lockdown
Garfield officers acted instantly, establishing a perimeter and shutting down several local roadways. The borough’s Rave Alert system was activated, broadcasting an emergency notification to nearby residents to “shelter in place” and stay away from windows.
Because of the threat of gasoline and fire, the Garfield Fire Department and Hackensack University EMS were staged nearby as a precaution while tactical units prepared to enter the home.
The Investigation: How Cops Exposed the Hoax
As officers secured the perimeter, investigators managed to contact the residents officially associated with the address. The family confirmed they were not at home, and that everyone was safe.
Members of the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team conducted a high-risk entry and “cleared” the residence, confirming:
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The house was entirely vacant.
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No victims were found.
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There was no gasoline or hazardous material present.
Capt. Pozo confirmed the incident was a “swatting” hoax—a dangerous criminal act where a false report is made to emergency services to draw a massive armed police response to a specific location.
The Aftermath: Police Search for the Caller
While the roadways have been reopened and the lockdown lifted, the investigation is far from over. Swatting is a serious offense that drains emergency resources and puts lives at risk.
Can You Help? Anyone with information regarding the origin of this false report or the identity of the caller is urged to contact the Garfield Police Department at 973-478-8500.
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