Federal Way police respond to shooting, later determined a hoax

Published 10:44 am Friday, January 8, 2016

Federal Way police rushed to what they thought was a murder scene this morning, only to find out it was a hoax.

According to Cathy Schrock, police spokeswoman, a man called 911 at 7:13 a.m. Friday, stating he had shot his wife, she was dead, and he had a hostage at Mariposa Apartments, located at the 28100 block of 18th Ave. S.

He said he had multiple firearms and would shoot officers if they approached him.

Federal Way police and South King Fire and Rescue immediately set a perimeter around the apartment complex and brought in a negotiator.

“Once a negotiator made contact with the occupant of the apartment, it was determined the wife was alive,” Schrock said. “There was no hostage and the apartment has been cleared.”

There were no injuries to the apartment residents or first responders.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the origination and reason for the call. No arrests have been made at this time, Schrock said.