Executive Summary
- Law enforcement responded to Sierra-at-Tahoe at 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 for a reported active shooter.
- Response included CHP, South Lake Tahoe Police, and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
- The report was quickly determined to be false and the scene was secured.
- Police identified and contacted the caller; no motive has been released.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A significant law enforcement response was triggered at the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort on February 21 following reports of an active shooter, which were subsequently determined to be unfounded by responding agencies.
According to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at approximately 2:15 p.m. when dispatchers received the alert. Officers from the California Highway Patrol and South Lake Tahoe Police Department joined sheriff’s deputies in converging on the scene. Sierra-at-Tahoe staff immediately executed internal safety protocols to secure guests and coordinated directly with law enforcement. Upon arrival, authorities quickly ascertained that the report was false and that there was no credible threat to the public.
Law enforcement officials stated that they have successfully made contact with the individual who placed the call to the dispatch center. At this time, investigators noted that no reason has been provided regarding why the false report was made. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement thanking local partners and resort staff for their rapid response and commitment to community safety.
Investigative Outlook
The swift de-escalation of this incident underscores the effectiveness of regional emergency protocols, yet it also highlights the strain false alarms place on public safety infrastructure. The investigation has now moved from an active tactical response to an administrative inquiry regarding the origin of the call. Authorities will likely evaluate the intent behind the report to determine if it constitutes a criminal violation related to filing a false police report or misuse of emergency services.
It is important to note that the investigation is ongoing, and any individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
