CHICAGO — A tense early-morning standoff involving a SWAT team unfolded in the Chatham neighborhood Tuesday after a 77-year-old woman reported hearing possible gunfire during a domestic dispute. However, after hours of searching, police found no injuries, no suspect, and no evidence of a shooting.
The incident began around 1:05 a.m. inside a residence on the 8100 block of South Prairie Park Place, where an argument between the elderly woman and a 45-year-old man reportedly escalated.
According to the woman, during the confrontation she heard a loud noise that she believed was a gunshot.
SWAT Called In After Gunshot-Like Sound
Once outside, the woman informed authorities about the suspected gunfire. The report triggered a SWAT response as officers took the potential threat seriously, fearing an armed person might still be inside the home.
For the next five hours, law enforcement meticulously searched the property. Chicago Police later confirmed that the loud sound prompted the SWAT deployment but clarified that there was no confirmation of actual gunfire.
No Injuries, No Suspect — But Residents Left on Edge
After an extensive sweep of the house, SWAT officers found the home completely empty. There were no injuries, no signs of an intruder, and no weapons recovered, as confirmed by CBS News Chicago and the Chicago Fire Department.
Despite the outcome, the dramatic response and uncertainty left neighbors anxious, with many residents shaken by the presence of tactical units and flashing lights in the middle of the night.
Investigation Remains Open
Police have not made any arrests in connection with the incident, and the cause of the suspected gunfire sound remains unconfirmed. The 45-year-old man involved in the dispute was not located during the search.
The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the case to determine whether a weapon was actually discharged or if another explanation exists for the noise that sparked the scare.
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