The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident at the Rapides Parish Fair after false reports of shots being fired caused fairgoers to run from an area of the event. According to the Sheriff’s Office, information began circulating on social media and among individuals at approximately 9 p.m. claiming that shots had been fired at the fair.

Deputies working security at the event had already investigated reports of people running from an area of the fairgrounds. During the investigation, deputies were told by a bystander that several male subjects had been filming with their phones when someone yelled “shots fired,” causing fairgoers to run.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that no incidents or injuries had been reported in connection with the situation. Authorities compared the incident to falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded theater or public venue. Deputies are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the false report, and authorities indicated that arrests could result from the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office referenced Louisiana Revised Statute 14:126.1, which prohibits knowingly communicating false or misleading information about a crime, violence or public safety threat with the intent to trigger an emergency response when no such emergency exists.

Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is asked to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.