Macomb Police: Hostage Report A Prank - KWQC-TV6 News and Weather For The Quad Cities -

Macomb Police: Hostage Report A Prank

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It was a prank. That's what Macomb police say about an alarming call to a home a few blocks from the Western Illinois University campus Wednesday night.

Police were called to a home in the 500 block of West Murray St. on a report of a hostage situation. Police surrounded the home, closed the street and evacuated homes nearby. After a search, the police chief talked to reporters on the scene.

"We have concluded everything so far at 509 West Murray, at this time, we believe it is a prank call," said to Macomb Police Chief Curt Baker.

Police say someone called 911 to report a person with a gun inside a home, but the home was found to be empty. After talking to the two tenants who live there, police determined it was a hoax.  

Murray Street was reopened and people were allowed to return to their homes. 

Police are now trying to trace the phone that was used to make the call to 911.