Alleged California children's hospital shooting threat deemed a hoax: Sheriff

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Chaos unfolded at a children's hospital in Southern California after the building was at the center of an alleged mass shooting threat.

What we know:

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to a call of a possibly armed person at the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital along Anderson Street in Loma Linda on Wedesday, March 12.

Deputies cleared out the hospital as part of the investigation, but no one found any evidence that a shooting broke out. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said the alleged threat was deemed a hoax.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department later announced that no one was hurt in the non-shooting.

Prior to the news of the scene getting safely cleared, the hospital issued the following statement:

"Law enforcement has responded to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. It is an active investigation and all media inquiries can be directed to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department PIO."

What we don't know:

It is unknown who started the possible gunman reports, but deputies believe it was a swatting call. As of Wednesday night, no arrests have been announced in connection to the alleged hoax call.

What is swatting?

Swatting is when someone either starts a hoax or spreads fake rumors that would draw heavy police presence. Swatting is illegal and those who get caught doing it will face criminal charges.