Roanoke, VA - Thursday morning witnessed a significant police presence at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, sparked by a call that was later determined to be a hoax regarding an active shooter. Both the Roanoke Police Department and hotel management confirmed the false nature of the call.

According to officials, a 911 call was received in the early hours of Thursday, reporting a shooter and injured individuals at the Hotel Roanoke. Responding promptly, additional officers from the Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem Police departments, who were already patrolling downtown due to the annual Drumstick Dash event, swiftly arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough search of the hotel.

Authorities, however, found no evidence of a shooting or any individuals harmed. Police conclude that the call was a false alarm, assuring that hotel occupants and those in the downtown area faced no danger.

"The Roanoke Police Department takes these types of calls very seriously and investigates them to the fullest extent. We will continue to investigate this incident and place charges as appropriate for making a false 911 call," stated the police.

Additionally, it has been revealed that this incident is not an isolated case, as similar hoax calls targeting other hotels were reported in the past week. Hilton Worldwide, the hotel's management company, has informed Hotel Roanoke Management about these incidents.

In response to the situation, the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center expressed its gratitude toward the Virginia State Police, Roanoke City Police, and Roanoke Fire & EMS for their swift response and assistance throughout the incident.

Law enforcement officials are currently working to determine the source of the hoax call and bring the responsible individual to justice. As investigations proceed, authorities emphasize the seriousness with which they approach such incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before making emergency calls, as false reports can put lives at risk and consume valuable resources. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.

As this story develops, more information will be provided in due course.