STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-November 9, 2021-Investigators with the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) have identified the number that made the VOIP (voice over internet) call yesterday for a possible injury at a residence on Bear Drive in Steamboat Springs.
“We want to thank the community for all their help in working to identify the possible injured parties yesterday,” commented Interim Police Chief Jerry Stabile. “At this point, this has been identified as a targeted hoax from outside the state and there is no longer a need to contact Routt County Dispatch with tips or information.”
As the SSPD investigation unfolds, the number has been tracked to Texas and connected to other city police departments that received calls from the same number. These calls were similar in nature to the call Routt County Dispatch received seeking assistance from a ‘child’ caller.
“While this was unusual from the start, we will always respond; however, this shows how quickly our resources can be tapped when we could be needed for an actual emergency,” continued Stabile. “After an incident like this, I suggest we all take the time to get to know our neighbors and continue to check in on each other frequently.”
After a VOIP call requested emergency services yesterday, SSPD and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue forced entry into the home and were unable to find the party. An exact location could not be ascertained from the call since it originated from the VOIP call. After an extensive door to door search, and calls to local medical offices and local schools, no one was identified.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Jerry Stabile, Interim Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email