‘Please don’t shoot me’: Caller claiming to be child reports false barricaded gunman situation in Lapeer County

Caller said uncle was armed, threatening to shoot people

MAYFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A caller who said they were a 12-year-old girl pulled a swatting prank Saturday in Lapeer County by reporting a fake barricaded gunman situation, authorities said.

According to the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, the caller said her uncle was inside a home in Mayfield Township with a long gun at 4:23 a.m. The caller identified the man, who is the registered homeowner, by name, officials said. She told authorities the man was threatening to shoot people.

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The caller was also crying and screaming, “Please don’t shoot me,” authorities said. The person taking the girl’s call said they heard loud bangs at 4:33 a.m. then the caller said, “Please don’t shoot me again.”

Deputies surrounded the home but did not see activity.

They said they called the homeowner at 4:42 a.m. He told authorities he and his wife were asleep. They came outside and were cooperative.

Authorities said the call was a false report. If the caller is identified, they will be punished, officials said.