Banff RCMP investigating hoax hostage call
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BANFF, AB — RCMP in Banff are investigating after a false report of a hostage taking was reported Tuesday evening.
Officers responded to an allegation that a man had shot a person at the Banff International Hostel and had taken hostages. RCMP established contact by phone, where a man threatened to shoot additional hostages and blow up the building.
Officers were able to eventually determine the threats were a hoax, and investigators determined the phone call was made via a voice over internet protocol system, and originated from outside of Canada.
“False reports of critical incidents are a waste of police resources and create the potential for danger as police execute an urgent response and prepare for tactical considerations,” said Staff Sergeant Michael Buxton-Carr with Banff RCMP in a news release. “The members of Banff and Canmore Detachments who reacted to this event should be praised for their measured response and their thorough investigation.”
