Penn Yan Police Warn Public After Surge in False Active Shooter and Bomb Threat Reports

Penn Yan, NY — The Penn Yan Police Department has issued a warning to the community following a series of false reports involving active shooters and bomb threats over the past month. Authorities confirmed that all incidents reported so far have been quickly determined to be unfounded, and no credible threats were found.

Police officials emphasized that these false reports are taken extremely seriously, as they divert critical resources from genuine emergencies and cause unnecessary fear within the community. “False reporting of life-threatening situations is not only dangerous but also illegal,” the department said in a recent Facebook post.

In response to the incidents, the Penn Yan Police Department is working closely with the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to identify the individuals responsible for making the calls. Authorities warned that anyone found making such reports will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, which may include criminal charges, fines, and potential imprisonment.

The department urged residents to remain vigilant but calm, noting that these false alarms have so far been resolved without incident. They also reminded the public of the legal consequences associated with making false emergency reports, citing New York State law, which classifies false reporting of emergencies as a criminal offense.

Penn Yan Police Chief Thomas Dunham emphasized the importance of community cooperation in preventing such incidents. “We rely on residents to report genuine emergencies responsibly,” he said. “False reports not only put the public at risk but also strain law enforcement resources that are meant to protect our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the origin of these calls to come forward. The department also encouraged residents to verify any suspicious information before sharing it online to prevent the spread of panic or misinformation.

This series of false threats serves as a reminder of the serious consequences associated with emergency hoaxes. Law enforcement officials continue to stress that while the public’s safety is their top priority, false reports will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to ensure the integrity of emergency response systems.