A FALSE report of a shooting in Huntington Beach on Monday morning was a likely an illegal “swatting” incident (Shutterstock; above photo is a staged stock photo).

Huntington Beach police responded Monday morning to a report of shots fired and of a double shooting by a suicidal male armed with a rifle.

However, the report – at about 10 a.m. – supposedly on Red Jacket Circle in the area of Bushard Street and Atlanta Avenue – was not real.

It was, instead, an example of “swatting,” in which police are drawn to a phony incident that can have serious consequences.

HBPD stated that “swatting is a dangerous and criminal hoax that prompts a large emergency response under false pretenses.”

Police point out that “swatting” – based on causing the response of police or SWAT team – is a crime that could lead to felony charges. It can divert critical resources away from real emergencies, place innocent people and first responders at risk and could lead to serious injury “or worse.”