Police: Post about Huber Heights Walmart shooting result of nationwide hoax

ajc.com

A social media post reporting a possible shooting at the Huber Heights Walmart was the result of a nationwide hoax, according to police.

News Center 7 received multiple questions about either a shooting or attempted shooting at Walmart Friday, prompting a call to Huber Heights police.

>> Live Doppler 7 Radar | INTERACTIVE

There was never any threat, attempted shooting or shooting, said Sgt. Brian Carr.

A local resident reportedly saw a fake post on social media about a possible shooting at Walmart.

He told police he posted on his Facebook page about the possible shooting because he had friends who frequented the Huber Heights Walmart and was concerned for their safety, Carr said.

The sergeant added that police spoke to Walmart’s corporate office and that the chain has recently received similar false reports at 400 stores across the country.

>> El Paso Walmart shooting: Suspects mother asked police about weapons, lawyers say

A Huber Heights officer did complete an incident report in regard to the post, but there was no incident, Carr said.

The report of a false shooting came less than two weeks after a 21-year-old man opened fire inside an El Paso, Texas, Walmart, killing more than 20 people.

Less than 24 hours later, a gunman killed nine people in Dayton’s Oregon District.