How a person tried to ‘mask’ ID in fake emergency call near Perry school

A person who called Perry High School to report an armed person nearby Friday tried to hide their identity, likely because the armed person didn’t exist, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

Macon FBI agents and the sheriff’s office were still trying Wednesday to trace down who made a suspected “swatting” call that prompted a major search by over 100 state and local officers who could not find a subject near the scene Friday, according to Sheriff Matt Moulton.

Investigators believe the caller used an unconventional calling device and manipulated their technology, Moulton explained.

“We usually try to get subscriber information from the voice carrier, but they’ve done other things to mask who called,” Moulton told The Telegraph.

The person called Perry High School to report a “subject possibly armed with a gun in the area of the school” around 2:40 p.m. Friday, which triggered a search, school Code Yellow and delayed student dismissal, Moulton said.

No one was harmed, and all students were released home safely, according to the Houston County School District.

Anyone with related information can call the sheriff’s office at 478-542-2125, or submit tips through an online portal.

This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM.