A “potential bomb threat” in Queen Creek Monday morning is being investigated as a swatting hoax by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
“Just after 7 a.m., MCSO received a call from a person claiming to have over 20 explosive devices at his home and strapped to his body. This person was making claims he was not happy with 2026 and was going to wait for deputies,” MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez stated in an email.
The incident took place in the area of 25900 South 178th Way.
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A “potential bomb threat” in Queen Creek Monday morning is being investigated as a swatting hoax by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
“Just after 7 a.m., MCSO received a call from a person claiming to have over 20 explosive devices at his home and strapped to his body. This person was making claims he was not happy with 2026 and was going to wait for deputies,” MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez stated in an email.
The incident took place in the area of 25900 South 178th Way.
The Queen Creek Police Department and the Gilbert Police Department assisted MCSO on the call.
During the investigation, MCSO was asking the public to avoid southbound San Tan Boulevard and Mews Road between Recker Road and 181st Street.
“A very large perimeter was established due the claims and the safety of the community. Through the (investigation) we were able to contact the homeowner, who was not involved and didn't know what was going on. It was later (determined) this was a swatting hoax call and we are investigating,” Enriquez stated.
The Department of Homeland Security defines a swatting hoax as a false report of a violent crime or explosive device at a home, business or institution to trigger a large police response.
“Individuals and institutions are often unaware of the emergency response, causing confusion, frustration and potential use of force that may result in harm for the target and responding officials,” according to the DHS’ website.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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