The Elkhart Police Department is urging residents to ignore and avoid sharing a false social media post that claims two individuals are “on the run after killing three female police officers yesterday here in Elkhart.” Authorities say the post is a hoax and that no such incident occurred.

According to police, the same false message has been circulating nationwide, with city names swapped out to create localized panic.

“This is completely false and did not happen in Elkhart,” the department stated in a public advisory. “It’s a widely shared hoax being posted in different cities around the country.”

Police are reminding the public to verify information before sharing it online. They offered several tips to avoid spreading misinformation:

Check official sources, such as police department websites or verified social media pages.

Be cautious of emotionally charged language, especially posts meant to incite fear or outrage.

Watch for recurring patterns, such as common false narratives involving crimes against law enforcement.

Assess the source, particularly posts shared in community groups without verification.

Report suspicious content directly to the social media platform.

Anyone uncertain about the authenticity of a public safety alert is encouraged to contact the Elkhart Police Department directly at 574-295-7070.