Local

Police say dispute over a PayPal transaction sparked false 911 call

ORLANDO, Fla. — An 82-year-old man was handcuffed and questioned after someone placed a hoax 911 call and reported a shooting had happened inside the elderly man’s home, Orlando police said.

Someone called 911 and said they’d shot their family in the home, police said.

Officers and SWAT team members swarmed the home for two hours Monday afternoon, only to find out the phone call was a false alarm.

TRENDING NOW:

Police said Tuesday that a dispute over a PayPal transaction sparked the call.

Police said they are still working to track down who made the false phone call. The family who lives in the targeted home said they have an idea who that person might be and are working with investigators.

Homeowner Carlos Matos said he got a call from detectives asking him if he’d killed his family.

"I told them that I don't know what they were talking about," he said.

The only one at the home at the time was his 82-year-old father.

"I came out, I tell you I've never seen so many cops in my life," said Pedro Matos.

It’s unclear what charges could be filed related to the case, but Carlos wants those responsible to face more than just a slap on the wrist.

"He needs to be set as an example to other individuals who might want to do this in the future."

Carlos believes he knows who targeted his family, but is waiting on confirmation from detectives.

Making a false call to 911 to provoke a police response is a second degree felony in the state of Florida.

DOWNLOAD: Free WFTV News & Weather Apps

Not near a TV? Click here to watch WFTV newscasts live

Watch Live: Doppler 9 HD