Crime
False shooting alert at UMass Boston near East Hall
Multiple Swatting Incidents Reported Across City, Including False Shooting Threat at UMass Boston
Boston Police confirmed Thursday that they are investigating a series of swatting calls across the city, including a reported active shooter situation at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Authorities have since clarified that no shots were fired and no victims were located. Law enforcement remains on scene to ensure campus safety and confirm the false nature of the threats.
Police have reported the incident on campus all clear. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The incident initially caused widespread alarm after several students and community members reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire.
Emergency responders, including Boston Police, campus police, and multiple ambulances, flooded the area as a precautionary measure.
Two female students living in campus housing stated they were able to contact friends inside the residence halls, who reported being instructed to shelter in place until the situation was resolved.
The University of Massachusetts Boston issued a first social media alert describing the matter as a โpolice incident.โ
A short time later, the university elevated its advisory, calling it a โpublic safety threat.โ
Initial posts indicated the incident originated at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which is located adjacent to the UMass Boston campus.
Follow-up alerts redirected focus to a residence hall, where students were told to remain inside their rooms.
At this time, Boston Police and UMass Boston Police have confirmed that the reports of an active shooter were unfounded. No evidence of a shooting has been discovered, and no injuries have been reported.
Officials stated that the incident is part of a pattern of swatting calls made across Boston on Thursday. Swatting involves making false emergency reports to prompt a large law enforcement response.
The university has urged the public and students to remain cautious but reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.
Crime
61-year-old Sharon killed by ex-boyfriend in Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting, Craig Sipe charged with murder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio โ Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, has been charged with aggravated murder following a fatal shooting at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the fitness facility on 4th Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities determined that a 61-year-old woman had been shot and seriously injured.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries, police confirmed. Her name has not been officially released by authorities.
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted one victim before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, although authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to the violence.
Sipe, who is from Akron, later turned himself in to Cuyahoga Falls police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Summit County Jail.
Authorities have charged Sipe with one count of aggravated murder in connection with the woman’s death. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 19, according to the information released about the case.
The charge represents an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium was closed following the shooting and was scheduled to remain closed through Monday, October 19, 2026, as the investigation continued.
Police have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Investigators said further details would be shared as they become available and when appropriate.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with the loss.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the case remain limited.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.