Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
A Toms River police officer was injured in a car accident while en route to a so-called “SWATing” incident that turned out to be a hoax.
The scenario played out Monday at about 11 a.m., according to police spokeswoman Jillian Messina. Toms River officers were dispatched Sierra Drive in response to a call placed to the Toms River Police Department referencing a shooting and potential hostage situation, and possibly a pipe bomb, Messina said. Ultimately, contact was made with the homeowner and occupants of the house and every was safe.
The early investigation by Toms River detectives suggests the incident was a hoax, possibly stemming from online gaming, said Messina. The incident is being investigated by Detective Lou Santora and is ongoing.
While responding to what was believed to have been an extremely serious incident, Officer James Colline was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He was transported to Community Medical Center where he was treated and released for minor injuries. The other driver did not sustain injuries.
The accident investigation is ongoing and being investigated by Toms River Police Sergeant Eugene Bachonski, Messina said.
