The Candler County Sheriff’s Office reports that a false report of a crime had deputies and other law enforcement in the county responding to serious allegation. Capt. Justin Wells of the Candler County Sheriff’s Office reports Tuesday afternoon to Bluebird Road in reference to a stabbing that had resulted in a homicide. Deputies and investigators quickly arrived and began an immediate investigation into the complaint.

However, after spending time at the scene, it was determined that the report was unfounded, and there was no threat to the public.

Capt. Wells said that a third party placed the call, and that it sounded like it could have been horrible situation for law enforcement to walk into.

He expressed the Sheriff’s Office’s appreciation to the Metter Police Department in helping in their response and for ensuring the situation was managed safely.

In other matters relating to the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Capt. Wells said that the county’s law enforcement agency is seeing more frequent use of phone apps and services, monitoring public safety radio traffic, and using artificial intelligence to interpret and publish that information in real time. Capt. Wells said that while that may seem useful, it can often be inaccurate, incomplete, or taken out of context, particularly during active or evolving calls.

The veteran officer said, “We encourage everyone to use caution when relying on those platforms for information,” and added that he advises using platforms designated by the agency such as the official page of the Candler County Sheriff's Office’s on Facebook.