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ELKINS – Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon released a statement Wednesday morning concerning an incident that occurred Monday having to do with a possible shooting and suicide in Helvetia.
According to Elbon’s post, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a male at approximately 2:16 p.m. Monday who "advised he had shot his wife and son and attempted to commit suicide."
"Deputies from Randolph and Upshur County, West Virginia State Troopers from multiple counties, and West Virginia Natural Resources. Deputies arrived at the provided address," Elbon posted. "On this property was three cabin-style residences.
"Officers attempted to make contact with individuals occupying the residences with no success. Due to the nature of the call, officers deemed forced entry to be necessary for preservation of life. After clearing the residences, no person or evidence of a crime was observed.
"Through investigation conducted by the officers on scene and communication with the property owner, it was determined this call was a false reporting ‘swatting’ call," which is "a false reporting call placed to law enforcement officers to create an emergency response."
The incident is actively being investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.