A false call to dispatchers sent multiple police officers to the North Belt Walmart this afternoon. The initial call indicated there was an armed robbery with shots fired and a hostage taken. But it wasn’t true.

Police took no chances, and established a perimeter around the WalMart store.

Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol were also dispatched.

Captain Matt Rock of the St Joseph Police Department says they take calls of this nature seriously, despite the fact that sometimes the details range toward the ridiculous.

“We cannot write this kind of thing off as absurd or even a prank call, until we’re sure,” Rock said.

Officers were stationed at locations around the store, which is located at 4201 North Belt Highway. Within a few minutes authorities confirmed there was no incident in the store.

It appears a woman with mental health issues called the Sheriff’s office, which forwarded the call to the Communications Center. That led to some confusion, as authorities have technology to track the source of calls to 9-1-1. It appeared the call was coming from downtown.

Dispatchers received the call at about 2:25 p.m.

At least one command officer heading to the scene recognized the improbability of an armed robbery in the meat department with a hostage taken and one shot fired, but no panic in the crowded retail establishment. But Rock says they have to take the call seriously.