Wed Jul 02 07:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Hostage Situation at Erie Insurance Arena a Hoax; Police Investigate Swatting Incident**

**Erie, PA –** Erie Police responded to a reported hostage situation at the Erie Insurance Arena on French Street on the afternoon of June 30th, only to discover the call was a hoax. The incident, reported at approximately 4:50 p.m., triggered a significant police response, with officers surrounding the arena, evacuating those inside, and blocking off nearby streets.

According to Deputy Chief Rick Lorah, a call was placed to the Erie Bureau of Police at City Hall claiming a hostage situation was unfolding within the arena. “A large amount of officers responded,” Lorah stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which the initial report was treated. Around 20 individuals were evacuated as a precaution.

However, within an hour, police determined the report was false. Lorah stated that officers were able to enter the arena and began tracing the phone number associated with the call. The same number had been used in a previous, similar incident, according to Lorah.

“Caller wasn’t where he said he was,” added Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny, indicating that police are actively working to trace the call to its origin. Two detectives are currently assigned to the investigation.

By 5:40 p.m., the scene was cleared, and the area was deemed safe.

Gus Pine, Executive Director of Erie Events, which manages the arena, confirmed the false alarm. “Erie Events staff, working with law enforcement, initiated lockdown procedures and after arrival of EPD personnel, the incident was confirmed to be a false alarm,” Pine stated. “Erie events takes the safety of our staff and patrons as top priority and we appreciate the quick response and organization from EPD in assessing and confirming this false alarm.”

This incident appears to be another example of “swatting,” a dangerous prank where a false report is made to law enforcement to elicit a large emergency response to a particular location. In Pennsylvania, making a false report to law enforcement is a third-degree misdemeanor, carrying a potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Erie Bureau of Police. Police continue to investigate and seek to identify and prosecute those responsible for this disruptive and potentially dangerous act.

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