False Shooting Call Prompts Police Response to Vacant Baytown Home

BAYTOWN, Texas — A reported fatal shooting call Friday afternoon led to a police response at a vacant residence, with authorities later determining the incident was a false report.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on April 10, 2026, Baytown Police Department received a call on a non-emergency line from an individual claiming they had shot and killed their father at a home in the 9600 block of Pinehurst Drive. The caller also stated another family member was inside and threatened to harm that person if officers responded.

Officers responded immediately and arrived to find the home listed for sale. Authorities confirmed the previous occupants had already moved out, and no individuals were found inside the residence or on the property.

Investigators traced the call to a Voice over Internet Protocol line. Officials said there is no known threat to the community, and the investigation is ongoing to identify the source of the false report.

Police said incidents involving false reports of violent crimes, often referred to as “swatting,” are taken seriously due to the risks they pose to both the public and responding officers, as well as the strain placed on emergency resources.

Authorities thanked residents in the Pinehurst neighborhood for their cooperation and drivers who yielded to emergency vehicles during the response.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Baytown Police Department non-emergency line at 281-422-8371.