A children’s hospital in California was evacuated after reports of a ‘possible armed individual’ but has since been given the all clear.
Loma Linda University Medical Center was at the center of a huge police response on Wednesday evening as the threat was investigated.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other agencies swooped on the campus just after 6pm.
In an update less than two hours later, police said the chaos appears to have been triggered by a prank call.
‘Loma Linda Hospital has been cleared. There are no reported injuries, and the incident appears to be a swatting call,’ the department posted around 8pm (local time).
The medical complex is set to reopen, according to the sheriff’s department.
‘The area will reopen shortly. Thank you for your patience and cooperation,’ the statement continued.
Police had been working to clear the hospital’s surrounding area in Loma Linda – 60 miles from Los Angeles.
Aerial footage taken from above the complex shows dozens of police vehicle with sirens flashing.
Law enforcement was reportedly patrolling the area above the medical center using helicopters as well.
The initial ‘armed individual’ alert was posted by San Bernardino police around 6:35pm (local time).
‘We are aware of a possible armed individual at Loma Linda Hospital. We have deputies on the scene and are actively clearing the hospital,’ the department said.
Officials asked citizens to refrain from entering the area as they continued their investigation.
‘Please share with your viewers to stay away from the area. We will post updates on our social media platforms.’
Just 30 minutes after the initial alert, the San Bernardino County Sheriff said they were still working to clear the hospital, however, no shots had been heard and no injuries were reported at the time.
‘Law enforcement is actively clearing Loma Linda Hospital,’ the post on X reads.
‘At this time, no shots have been heard, and no one has been injured. Please avoid the area due to heavy law enforcement presence. Your safety is our priority.’
The Loma Linda University Health was also providing live updates on the worrisome situation.
‘Law enforcement has responded to our campus. It is an active investigation,’ the post said.
However, after police declared there was no active threat, the hospital thanked law enforcement for their ‘quick response.’
‘We are thankful for law enforcement’s quick response. They will remain on campus to continue any necessary investigation,’ the post reads.
Law enforcement officials said updates would be provided on its official social media channels.