Avalon Police Respond to Multiple False Alarms in Swatting Incidents Over the Weekend

AVALON, NJ — The Avalon Police Department and Cape May County SWAT team were deployed twice this weekend in response to “swatting” incidents, in which fake calls were made to authorities claiming serious crimes had been committed.

On Sunday, August 18, at 4:22 p.m., a disturbing call came into Cape May County Emergency Management Agency reporting a homicide at a residence in the 7700 block of Dune Drive in Avalon.

The caller warned that responding officers could also be in danger. When officers arrived and conducted a thorough search, they found tenants on the property who confirmed that no such crime had occurred. The scene was declared cleared without incident.

The day before, Saturday, August 17, at 10:17 a.m., another false report of a bomb threat was sent to dispatch about a hotel near the scene of Sunday's incident. Avalon Police, along with the Cape May County Sheriff's Canine Unit, responded immediately. The hotel was searched, but no bomb was found, and the building was subsequently evacuated.

These prank calls, known as “swatting,” are designed to provoke a violent police response to nonexistent threats. The Avalon Police Department, in conjunction with the Cape May County District Attorney's Office, is vigorously investigating these incidents and has issued a stern warning that anyone identified in connection with these swatting incidents will face severe legal consequences.

As part of their ongoing efforts to prevent such disruptive and dangerous incidents, the Avalon Police Department urges anyone with information regarding these prank calls to contact them at (609) 967-3411.

DENTON, MD — A Caroline County man got an unexpected thrill when he scratched off a $50,000 prize on a Maryland lottery ticket. The electrical estimator, who prefers to avoid the word “shock” because of his profession, was surprised by his luck with the $500,000 crossword puzzle ticket he bought at Bullock's Deli in Denton.

The local resident, who buys lottery tickets two or three times a month to relax after work, couldn't believe it. “It was a huge rush,” he said, describing the moment the win was announced. Although he felt elated, he managed to keep his composure as he stood in the deli section where he had stopped for gas and coffee.

His choice of the $500,000 crossword puzzle was spontaneous. “I usually choose my tickets randomly when I play,” he explained. “But when I saw the top prize, I knew what I wanted.” The winnings, he says, will be safely deposited in the bank, although he admits there's a good chance he'll make his next lottery purchases at Bullock's, which has become his lucky spot.

The $500,000 Crossword, which launched in February, offers tickets for $20 apiece, including five half-million-dollar grand prizes and several $50,000 minor prizes. With three grand prizes and five minor prizes still up for grabs, other hopefuls could stop by Bullock's Deli at 610 Campground Road to try their luck.

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD — The Prince George's County Police Department is urging the public's help in locating 12-year-old Gianni Fortune, who has been missing since August 17, 2024. She was last seen around 5:00 p.m. in the 3700 block of Donnell Drive in District Heights.

Gianni is described as a black female, 5'2″ tall and weighing 100 pounds. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing light blue denim shorts and a white t-shirt with red and blue writing.

She was last seen in a blue 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage with Maryland license plate 7EX7134.

Anyone with information on Gianni's whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Prince George's County Police Department's Missing Persons Unit at 301-772-8970. Your help could be critical to her safe return.