Fake hostage call prompts large police presence at Providence apartment building

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence police said a phony report of a woman being held at gunpoint sent over a dozen cruisers to The Residences Providence early Friday morning.

Police said after an investigation, they discovered it was a scam in order to solicit money from the woman’s son.

“It was determined the phone call made to the son was a scam for the caller to receive money in return for the woman’s safety,” Maj. David Lapatin said.

An ABC 6 News crew saw at least 15 cruisers arrive at the apartment building on West Exchange Street, adjacent to the Omni Hotel, at about 5 a.m.

Police said an officer was called to the apartment building for a report of a person with a gun. While on the way, police were told that a woman was being held hostage at gunpoint.

An employee of the apartment building told police they received a phone call from the son of an elderly resident, who said he got a phone call from an anonymous person that his mother was being held at gunpoint in her apartment.

Police entered the apartment with weapons drawn and found her asleep in her bedroom.

They said the woman was in no immediate danger and there was no gunman.

ABC 6 saw officers holding shields walking out of the hotel.

The scene cleared after about a half hour.