Opened police metal handcuffs on wooden floor background. Jail break and criminal justice concept: steel hand cuffs on table, 3D render.

Fake shooting call triggers massive police response in nj swatting scare — Opened police metal handcuffs on wooden floor background. Jail break and criminal justice concept: steel hand cuffs on table, 3D render.

Swatting incident sends armed police rushing to homes in Ocean County

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ — A false report of a shooting triggered a heavy police response in Ocean County after authorities say the call turned out to be a swatting incident.

Police rushed to a home in the Holiday City section around 8 a.m. on March 20 after receiving a report of gunfire, injured victims, and a suspect possibly heading to another town.

Officers quickly entered the residence and secured the scene, only to find no victims and no evidence that any crime had occurred.

At the same time, investigators traced a related address in Forked River, prompting a response from Lacey Township police, who also found no issues.

Authorities later determined the call was likely a swatting incident — a false emergency report intended to trigger a large police response.

Police are now working to identify the source of the call.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Berkeley Township Police.

Key Points

A false shooting report triggered a large police response in Berkeley Township
Officers found no victims at multiple locations tied to the call
Police say the incident appears to be a swatting case

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News